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ASHINGTON, D. C 






BY A RURAI, VISITOR 



1913 



HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL 



RESEARCH SKETCHES OF 



WASHINGTON, D. G 



BY A RURAL VISITOR 



With some gf^neral observations of a few of the 

prominent events of present, and 

primitive days. 



Printed By T. B. Blair 
Neenah, Wisconsin. 

J9J3 






To My Daughter 

Mrs. Addie Leavens Keyes, 

These Sketches and Observations 
are lovingly dedicated. 

— H. P. L.— 

NEENAH, WIS., AUGUST 1913. 



copyrighted 1913 
By H. p. Leavens, Neenah, Wis. 



©CI,A35472i 



T\^ASHINGTON, D. C. 



IN THE YEAR 1790, Congress conferred upon George 
Washington as President, the authority to select near 
the eastern bank of the Potomac, a suitable location 
for a permanent Capitol building. Acting under this 
authority, the present site was selected on an elevation 
about 100 feet above the Potomac, and about three 
miles distant from the then city of Georgetown. In 
1793, the first Capitol Building was begun on what has 
since been known as Capitol Hill. It required at that 
time seven long years to complete one wing, or what is 
now known as the north half of the present central por- 
tion of the great Capitol structure. The Capitol build- 
ing was located on the west brow of this hill, facing the 
east, in which direction Capitol Park is located, and in 
which direction the new town was expected to grow, 
because of the more desirable lay of grounds for a 
beautiful city. In 1792, the White House, or the 
President's home, (as it was then called) was located 
by General Washington about a mile and a quarter 
west of the Capitol grounds. In the growth and devel- 
opment of this young city, the commercial activities 
soon found their way toward the northwest or adjacent 
to the City of Georgetown. At the same time Capitol 
Hill became the nucleus for residential purposes al- 
most exclusivel}'^. After the civil war, the trend of de- 
velopment for both commercial and residential pur- 
poses, moved rapidly from Capitol Hill toward the 
north and west, making the White House the nucleus. 
So that the great Capitol building when fully completed, 
found its magnificent approach or frontage, located on 
the wrong side, to face the new and rapidly growing City. 



Territory that was once in part the camping ground 
for "Cox's Army" of Mendicants, and Soup Eaters, 
(during the last Democratic Administration) has now 
been converted and beautified, to make presentable a 
western approach to the Capitol Building. Millions, 
perhaps, have been expended in terracing and in the 
construction of broad magnificent granite stairways 
leading to a wide promenade that extends quite around 
the two ends and western part of the Capitol, where 
flowers of many varieties bloom throughout the season. 
The approach is gradual, the ascent tiresome, but the 
view of the city looking down Pennsylvania Avenue 
from this point, is most inspiring — particularly in the 
evening when the broad avenue i6o feet wide is alive 
with humanity, and the buildings ablaze with electric 
lights of every design and color. 

Washington, however, is a city that must be seen 
to be appreciated, and leisurely studied, rather than 
a city to be written about. The point of view of a 
writer of this metropolis is likely to impress one so 
differently from that of a visitor, as to make it 
practically impossible for both to harmonize. 

Washington as a social center, with its almost contin- 
uous program of receptions, entertainments, and other 
social functions, presents an attraction which captivates 
the attention of many society people from all parts of 
the country. 

\ 

Washington, the political center, has its charms and 
fascinations for quite another class of visitors. 

Washington, the historic center, appeals to an- 
other class frequently referred to as "the high-brow ex- 
plorer." 



Washington, the beautiful, in artistic develop- 
ment, is the one grand feature that seems most readily, 
and most thoroughl}^ appreciated by the great throng 
of visitors that are seen daily about the corridors of 
her public buildings. 

While Washington as a commercial center has but 
little to detain the visitor for more than a single day. 

So that whatever suggestions I may submit here, 
will be along lines pertaining to its political attrac- 
ions incidentally, and to its artistic develop- 
ment more particularly — In passing I may suggest 
parenthetically that there are no less than three distinct 
local developments within the district known as the 
National Capitol. 

OLD, Old Washington, scattered along the banks of 
the Potomac, stretching from theAnacosta to George- 
town and beyond — with its quaint old buildings of 
brick and stone — one, two and three stories high — 
Their frontage reaching quite up to the narrow brick 
walks, their water sheds flooding the streets with every 
shower of rain, no plat of green, or growth of flowers 
to be seen — small windows in the houses — small en- 
trance doors as were common in -'ye ancient of days" 
when this locality was first settled, no porches or other 
outdoor resting place. This old Washington bears 
little resemblance to its once promised future — It is 
now in part, the lumber and coal district for boats 
from Fortress Monroe and the Chesapeake. This sec- 
tion was at one time, the home of the people who first 
settled along the beautiful Potomac. This locality has 



since become in part, the home for many of Washing 
ton's colored population. 

THE Second Washington was established on what is 
now known as Capitol Hill at or about the time 
the first Capitol building was being erected, the corner 
stone of which was laid with Masonic Ceremony by 
General Washington as R25/A/(35fer of Alexandria Lodge 
No. 22, on September i8, 1793. This stone was laid 
in the south-east corner of the building instead of 
the north-east corner, as now directed b}'^ Masonic 
usage. The Masonic Apron, and Sash worn by Presi- 
dent Washington on this occasion, was the handiwork 
of Mrs. Gen'l LaFayette, and is said to be now 
among the archives of the lodge at Alexandria. 

THE district in which the Capitol was located, and as 
originally laid out, was ten miles square, the sides of 
which lay at an angle of 45 degrees Meridian, so that 
the several corners pointed respectively north, east, south 
and west. This was doubtless done to conform to the 
topography of the new territory, from which the site 
for a Capitol was to be selected. Viz: "A portion of 
the States of Virginia and Maryland bordering on the 
Pot-o-mack (as it was then called. )The states mentioned 
having promised material aid if this locality was select- 
ed. The final vote by congress on this location was 
very close, and the competition strong from rival local- 
ities, so that in a vote of 61 members, "after a long 
seven years struggle disclosed a bare majority of three 
in favor of the Pot-o-mack location. The bill as passed 
was promptly approved by President Washington, July 
16, 1790. The appointment of a board of Commis- 



sioners by the President was authorized, and Thomas 
Johnson and Daniel Carroll of Maryland and Dr. 
David Stewart of Virginia were named to carry out the 
details, and secure titles to the property to be thus ac- 
quired. 

ARTICLES of Cessation from nineteen land owners 
were secured by the personal efforts of President 
Washington upon the following terms. 

"in consideration of the great benefits anticipated 
from having the Federal City "laid off" on their lands 
these several owners promised to deed in fee simple to 
the President of the United States as trustee, so much 
of their lands as he might think proper to be included 
within the lines of the Federal City, subject to the fol- 
lowing conditions: 

First. To lay out a town, reserving as many squares 
for public use as he may think proper and nec- 
essary. 

Second. The lots so laid out, and not used for public 
purposes, to be equitably divided, between the 
several land owners, and the trustee mentioned. 

Third. The land owners to receive no compensation 
for lands used for streets, alleys, parks or other 
public grounds. 

Fourth. The wood on the lands, which includes all tim- 
ber on the streets, parks or public grounds to 
be the property of the land owners respective- 

ly. 

Fifth. Any such timber wanted by the Federal City or 
by the trustee to be paid for at a fixed price. 

The foregoing however is but a brief synopsis of the 
conditions mentioned in the articles of cessation. 



BEFORE the final round-up of titles had been secured 
it was found that in those days, the same as now, there 
were beligerent characters who sought to make trouble 
and delay the proceedings, in the hope that they might 
secure some special advantages, or be awarded in- 
creased compensation. One large land owner known 
as "Obstinate" David Burns, a Scotchman, owning a 
plantation of 600 acres just south of and adjoining the 
present White House grounds, extending westward 
nearly to the City of Georgetown, declined to execute 
a conveyance, and as recorded "declined to budge a 
hair", so General Washington was prevailed upon to 
call and see him, which he did. Sitting together under 
a clump of trees they discussed the situation for several 
hours — finally Mr. Burns remarked, "General Wash- 
ington! I suppose the people about here, are going to 
take every grist that comes from you, as pure grain, but 
what would you have been, if you had not married 
that rich widow Custis?" 

General Washington left him, thoroughly out of pa- 
tience, but later informed Mr. Burns that he had select- 
ed his farm as part of the Federal Capital grounds, and 
politely but firmly asked him upon "what terms he pro- 
posed to surrender his plantation. Mr. Burns at once 
understood what this suggestion meant, coming from 
the President of the United States, and he very quickly 
"mellowed" by promptly replying, "Upon any terms 
your excellency may choose to name." During all this 
period the New York and Philadelphia papers referred 
to the Potomack" selection for a Federal City as being 
practically in a wilderness, and characterized the act as 
farcical, saying "that this Federal City was in reality 
neither a town or a village, but might be compared to a 
country seat, where state sportsman may run horses, 
and fight cocks?" The President they said "sits there 



8 



during the summer recess, like a pelican in the wilder- 
ness, or a sparrow upon the house top." 

It was true, as the record appears, that President 
Washington had but twenty thousand pounds available 
funds to begin this improvement, and this much was a 
subscription fund. 

As soon however as titles to the lands required for 
the new cit}-^ had been secured, the first thing to be 
done was to surve}^ and lay out the town. Major 
P. C. L'Enfant, a French officer who had served un- 
der General Washington was selected to draft the de- 
sign for the Capitol grounds, and to lay out the city 
with accurate precision, so as to provide for Military 
Strategy in case of invasion. He proved to be a man 
of rare ability, and a man of rare eccentricity as well; 
many embarrasing situations were presented from time 
to time, because of the Major's rare eccentricities, but 
he completed the task in a most acceptable manner, 
and received as compensation the magnificent sum of 
1^666.66. Why these odd figures does not appear from 
the record; doubtless it was his own eccentric rendering. 

In September, 1791, the commissioners appointed by 
President Washington promulgated a name for the new 
city, and called it 'WASHINGTON' in honor of the first 
president of the colonies. The place up to this time 
had no legal name, but was called the new Federal 
City on the POT-0-MACK. They also decided that the 
ten mile square territory acquired from the states of 
Virginia and Maryland which encircled the new city 
should thereafter be called the "District of Columbia." 
A first Grand Prize of Five Hundred Dollars, and a nice 
building lot in the new city of Washington, (with a blue 
ribbon thrown in perhaps) together with a second prize 



of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars, (but no nice lot) was 
formally offered by these district commissioners or 
trustees for an acceptable plan for the new Capitol 
Building. In this offer the amount of space required 
was given, and the size and number of rooms for the 
public service mentioned. Dr. Wm. Thornton, an 
English architect, presented a plan which after many 
changes suggested by General Washington, was accept- 
ed. In 1792, the first sale of lots in the new city was 
announced, and continued from time to time, — some- 
times by private sale, but more frequently by public 
auction. Meantime, rival burgs" sprang into being 
to embarrass the progress of the New City. One in 
particular is worth our attention, because of the re- 
markable philanthropy displayed by the enterprising 
promoter named Jacob Funk, whose educational ac- 
quirements he was not ashamed to put in black and 
white — A synopsis of one of his enterprises is given 
verbatim: 

"Be it remembert that in the year 1768, I, Jacob 
Funk, Laid out a certing pece of ground liing 
between Rock Grik and goos grik on the pe- 
tomik in prince george's county, mariland, 
into lots for a town called Hamborg. I Sold 
two lots to the germing prespoterings Congro- 
gation for a churg and buring ground, and I 
Receaved five pounts corent money of the 
prespotering Congrogation. " 

(Signed) Jacob Funk. 

In 1796, only about 150 houses had been erected, 
and they were scattered over the territory between the 
Capitol site, and the City of Georgetown, some three 
miles distant. Georgetown up to this period, was the 
metropolis of the upper Potomac, being at the head of 
navigation, and also General Washington's Headquar- 



ters prior to his marriage to the rich widow — Martha 
Custis. 

IN May, 1802, the City of Washington was duly in- 
corporated, and the first election held for a municipal 
council; 328 votes were cast all told, which doubtless 
represented a fair basis for estimating the population. 
At that period the President of the United States ap- 
pointed the Mayor for the City, while the people se- 
lected the members of the Council. The first act passed 
by the new council was to regulate the size of bricks. 



t 



"They must be 8/4^ inches long, 4%. inches wide, 
and 2^^ inches thick and well burned. 

The second act, to regulate weights and measures. 

The next to regulate the sale of hay and straw, and 
provide a place to weigh. 

The next to provide for organizing a Fire Company 
and procure fire buckets. 



All this was done at one session when the Mayor 
Robert Brent declared the meeting over." 

IN the month of June, 1800, the seat of government 
of the United States was moved from Philadelphia 
(where it had been for ten years, while the first wing of 
the New Capitol was being completed, to the new city 
of Washington, D. C, on the Potomac. A single pack- 
et sloop conveyed all the furniture and records, while 
the officials came by stage or private coach. It is said 
to have cost the government $40,000.00 to make the 
change, the largest item of disbursement made by 
the Treasury that year. There was great rejoicing 
among the people of this new city, as they gathered 



II 



along the river bank, or perched themselves upon the 
house tops or climbed the tall trees watching the slow 
approach of the sloop conveying the records from the 
Quaker City to their new home in Washington. But 
the greater demonstration was reserved when a day or 
so later, the officials arrived by coach to take up their 
residence here. Judge Marshall of Virginia as Secre- 
tary of State, Oliver Wolcott of Connecticut as Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, Samuel Dexter, Secretary of War 
and Benj. Stoddard, Secretary of the Navy, clad in co- 
lonial dress, with powdered wigs, cocked hats, and 
broadcloth coats, stepped forth from the big coach that 
had conveyed them from Philadelphia. The entire 
population had gathered to welcome them. Bands 
played — Drums beat — Cannons roared from the hill 
tops — Flags waved and the people shouted themselves 
hoarse to welcome these distinguished arrivals. 

Some days after. Secretary Wolcott wrote his wife at 
their home in Connecticut of his first impression on his 
arrival: 

The City of Washington, said he, or part of 
it at least, is about forty miles from Baltimore. There 
is a good tavern about 40 rods from the Capitol, but I 
do not perceive how members of Congress will be able 
to secure lodgings here, unless they will consent to live 
like scholars, or monks in a monastery, crowded ten or 
twelve in one house; without going to Georgetown 
three miles over a bad road, * * but few houses in the 
place, and they poor miserable huts. * * * Look in any 
direction and you see onl}^ brick kilns and huts for la- 
borers. The President's palace must take a regiment of 
servants to keep it even comfortable. 

The first Blue Book for Uncle Sam, was printed in 
the year 1792, showing that there were then employed 



12 



134 people in the Government service exclusive of the 
heads of departments. There must be several times 
that number now on the sinecure list, "in 1804, the 
population had increased to 4352 souls, of which num- 
ber there were 3412 whites, 717 slaves and 223 free 
blacks, as they were then called." 

The population of Washington in 1910, M^as a little 
over 330,000, nearly one-third of which wereliigroes. 

FOLLOWING the narrative herein given of some of 
the first beginnings of the New City, it will be recog- 
nized that Gen'lWashington played a very important part 
in about every event that took place in the early devel- 
opment of the city bearing his name. That he was 
equal to the task seems quite certain, because of the 
grand success achieved in laying the foundation so sym- 
etrically, and so artistically for such a beautiful city as 
this has since become. Although but a wilderness 
when the location was decided upon, he seemed to have 
an intuitive discernment into the great undeveloped fu- 
ture, that impelled his ambition, and stirred his zeal to 
make his judgment in the location preminently wise 
and just to his fellow countrymen; unfortunately he did 
not live to see the fruit of his labor fully rewarded. 
The President's home was but just completed when he 
and Mrs. Washington inspected it informallv, leaving 
it to James Monroe to be the first President to occupy 
it officially. Picture to your mind General Washington 
at his headquarters in Georgetown, looking anxiously 
down through the Virgin forests that were abundant on 
every hand, to the hill top three miles distant where 
the workmen were slowly but steadily erecting the new 
Capitol building, and you will appreciate with what 



1.1 



fervent interest he awaited the completion of the first 
installment of this great structure. He, however, 
passed to his final reward before this great work was 
fully accomplished — His death occurred Dec. 14, 1799. 

AFTER the completion of the north wing of the Capi- 
tol in 1800, the construction of the south wing was 
planned and authorized, and in 1803, work was begun 
on this; it required eight years or until 181 1 before be- 
ing ready for occupancy. In the year 18 14, the British 
fleet landed a force under the command of Admiral 
Cockburn and invaded the New Capitol Buildings — as- 
cending the speakers platform in the Hall of Repre- 
sentatives, Cockburn shouted to his men "Shall this Hall 
of Yankee Democracy be burned?" 

'All for it say aye! "The ayes have it" he ex- 
claimed, and the building was fired. Fortunately 
the walls and superstructure were not seriously 
injured, so that repairs were ordered at once. 
In 1818, the central portion of the building was started 
though not completed until nine years later, the dome 
at that time was of wood, and of modest proportions 
as appears from illustrations up to 1840 — during this 
period the Senate Chamber was located in the north 
wing with an east front, this room being in the form of 
a half circle. The House Chamber vvas located in the 
south wing facing the south. This hall occupied all of 
this wing except a circular corridor in the rear of the 
member's desks. After the new extensions at each end of 
the Capitol Building were completed for the Senate and 
House of Representatives, (to accomodate the increas- 
ing representation) and after the erection of a new 
IRON DOME piercing the sky at an altitude of 287 feet, 



14 



(the diameter of which at its base being about 125 feet, 
and weighing approximately 4450 tons) — the former 
Senate Chamber was remodeled, and made the home 
for the Supreme Court of the United States. The in- 
terior of this room is said to have been designed from 
Greek Models. It is decorated b}"^ a line of Ionic Col- 
umns surmounted with white marble capitals moulded 
after those of the "Temple of Minerva." In front of 
this is the Lx)ng Bench behind which sits the Court. The 
Chief Justice in the center, and the other members at 
his right and left, in the order of seniority of service. 
The Court assembles at 12 o'clock noon, when the 
members robed in black gowns, the emblem of their 
exalted station, led by the Chief Justice march in sol- 
emn procession from their Chambers across the corri- 
dor, to the Court Room and take their places. The 
Court is then formally opened by the crier, — with all 
standing. Only a limited number of spectators are ad- 
mitted at one time, these are seated near the entrance 
behind a substantial railing that separates this space 
from that assigned to members of the Bar— Busts of 
former Chief Justices are seen about the panels on 
either side of the room — It was in this room however 
(as the old Senate Chamber to which our memory re- 
verts, where the great debator Daniel Webster delivered 
that eloquent peroration in a speech in reply to Hayne, 
which has come down in history as the master piece of 
eloquence unexcelled since that celebrated debate. I 
may be permitted to quote 

"When my eyes shall turn to behold for the last 
time, the sun in heaven, may I not see him shining 
on the broken and dishonored fragments of a once 
glorious Union — on States dissevered, discordant, 
belligerent; on a land rent with civil feuds, or 
drenched it may be in fraternal blood. Let their 
last feeble and lingering glance rather behold the 



15 



gorgeous ensign of the Republic now known and 
honored throughout the earth, still full high ad- 
vanced, its arms and trophies streaming in their 
original luster, not a stripe erased or polluted, not 
a single star obscured, bearing for its motto no 
such miserable interrogatory as "What is all this 
worth" nor those other words of delusion and folly 
— "Liberty first and Union afterward" but everywhere 
spread all over with characters of living light, blaz- 
ing in all its ample folds as they float over the sea, 
and over the land, and in every wind under the 
whole heaven, that other sentiment dear to every 
true American heart "LIBERTY AND UNION 
NOW AND FOREVER— ONE AND INSEP- 
ARABLE." 

IN 1864, at the suggestion of the late Senator Morril 
of Vermont, the room in the south wing, formerly oc- 
cupied by the House of Representatives, was by act of 
Congress, set apart to be known thereafter as "Statu- 
ary Hall," and the several states were each invited to 
contribute two marble or bronze statues of deceased 
persons, who had been citizens thereof, distinguished 
for their civic or military fame, to be placed therein in 
commemoration of service rendered to their country or 
state. This Hall as reconstructed is semi-circular in 
form, said to have been shaped after a Greek theatre— 
"a colonnade of marble columns surmounted by white 
capitals, support a noble arch. The dome and ceiling 
are decorated after that of a Roman Pantheon and is 
said to spring 57 feet to a cupola" from which the room 
is lighted. At the present time there have been 37 con- 
tributions placed in position. Not all of the states 
have responded to the invitation, while others have not 
as yet supplied their full quota. It may be interesting 
to refer herein to the names and special references 
gathered for each distinguished subject mentioned. 



16 



The States having their full quota begin with NEW 
HAMPSHIRE— "The Old Granite State" who presents 
a very imposing marble statue of the great Daniel 
Webster — "The great expounder of the Constitution," 
whose majestic figure at once commands your attention. 
He who in life naturally, and perhaps in memoriam 
rightfully, heads the long list of public celebrities whose 
memory has thus been preserved within this Hall. A 
full description of these statues would be quite imposs- 
ible here. 

The next is that of General John Stark of Revolu- 
tionary fame in colonial military attire. Referring to 
the historic address made to his men at Bennington, 
he said "See there men; there are the Red Coats; before 
night fall they are ours, or Mollie Stark will be a 
widow.'' 

VERMONT with her accustomed enterprise in pub- 
lic affairs, presents a White Marble Statue, "doubtless 
from her own celebrated quarries" of General Ethan 
Allen of Ticonderoga fame, in the act of drawing his 
sword, who demanded the surrender of this fortress 
"In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Con- 
gress" — Another marble statue of Vermont men, is that 
of Hon. Jacob Collamer, a distinguished M. C. and 
U. S. Senator, who also served as Postmaster General 
under President Zack Taylor. 

MASSACHUSETTS, the "Old Bay State" comes 
forward with a marble statue of Hon. Samuel Adams, 
in a superb colonial costume — a strong advocate, and 
ardent supporter of the Revolution — He who demand- 
ed the withdrawal of the British troops from Boston 
"before nightfall, both regiments or none." The statue 
of John Winthrop in an attractive colonial costume 



17 



(with its ruffled choker) is the other contribution — 
Governor of the Colony in 1629, an interesting subject 
because his citizenship had been questioned. 

RHODE ISLAND, a little state with a bunch 
of big men — presents a marble statue of Rev. 
Roger Williams in colonial attire, with its ministerial 
distinction — Bible in hand — Great apostle of religious 
liberty, and founder of the Rhode Island Colony — who 
also advocated the right of every individual to worship 
God according to the dictates of conscience (and as 
some one else added) compel others to do the same. 
General Nathaniel Green's marble statue in military 
dress is placed to the credit of Rhode Island — General 
Greene commanded the forces under Washington oper- 
ating in Georgia and the Carolinas during the revolu- 
tionary struggle. 

CONNECTICUT has a beautiful marble statue 
of Hon. Roger Sherman's commanding figure — a 
member of the Committee in the Continental Con- 
gress to draft the Declaration of Independence and 
a signer thereof — M. C. and U. S. Senator, a man of 
marked ability and influence. The marble statue of 
Hon. Jonathan Trumbull in colonial attire, reading 
from manuscript, will command your attention; he was 
first Governor of his state-a personal and confidential 
friend of General Washington, who nicknamed him "Our 
Brother" Jonathan, because of the loyal support given 
him, under discouraging conditions — This is said to be 
where the sobriquet, "Brother Jonathan," originated. 

NEW YORK has contributed a marble statue of the 
Hon. George Clinton, a member of the Continental 
Congress in 1775, and first Governor of his state. He 
was also Vice President one term each with President 



18 



Jefferson and President Madison. New York also pre- 
sents a beautiful bronze statue of Hon. Robert R.Liv- 
ingston, a distinguished member of the Continental 
Congress in 1775 — Minister to France, who assisted 
materially in the so called "Louisiana purchase," 
when the United States, for the sum of fifteen million 
dollars, acquired all of France's possessions from the 
Gulf of Mexico on the south, to the Canadian line on 
the north, and from the Mississippi River to the Rocky- 
Mountains, the value of which from every view point, 
cannot now be estimated. 

NEW JERSEY contributes a beautiful 'bronze statue 
of Maj. Gen. Phil. Kearnv, in military dress, a 
hero of both the Mexican and late civil wars. — 
It is said of him, that in one of the engage- 
ments of the peninsular campaign, where the contest 
was most severe, he called for reinforcements — when 
they came and the commanding officer asked for as- 
signment — He shouted "You'll find it lovely fighting all 
along the line." — A marble statue of Hon. Richard 
Stockton, in colonial attire, is another contribution 
from New Jersey — A member of the Continental Con- 
gress in 1776, signer of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence — imprisoned by the British and subjected to hard- 
ships, and exposures which caused his death. 

PENNSYLVANIA introduces two celebrated charac- 
ters in marble, as her contribution to this Hall. Robert 
Fulton, the inventor, who in 1807, completed the first 
successful steam propelled boat for navigation "The 
Clermont," a model of which he seems to be studying. 
John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, an episcopal clergy- 
man in colonial military attire, who accepted a com- 
mission from General Washington in Revolutionary 
days, while preaching in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He 



19 



closed his church, locked the door, and ordered the 
drum beat for recruits; some 300 responded to the call 
at once; said he "There is a time to preach, and a time 
to pray, and a time to flight for country, and that time 
is — right now." 

OHIO contributes a marble statue of William Allen 
— nicknamed the 'Ohio Gong" who was in public life 
in his state, for a half century as Governor, M. C. and 
U. S. Senator, from 1837 to 1849. Another marble 
statue will be readily recognized is that of James A. 
Garfield, Maj. General in the army of the Cumber- 
land, M. C. and U. S. Senator. Elected President in 
1880, assasinated in the Pennsylvania Railroad Station 
at Washington in 1881. 

MARYLAND selects as her contribution an attract- 
ive bronze statue of "Charles Carroll of Carroll- 
ton" signer of the Declaration of Independence and 
U. S. Senator for many years; also a bronze statue of 
Hon. John Hanson, a member of the Continental 
Congress, and its presiding officer in 1781. 

VIRGINIA, the mother of Presidents at one time, 
contributes an attractive 6ro/72e statue of George Wash- 
ington, probably the most historic, and best known 
character in this Hall. A bronze statue of Gen. Robt. 
E. Lee, stands near that of Washington, and is much 
admired by his former friends and supporters. 

WEST VIRGINIA contributes a marble statue of 
Hon. Francis E. Pierpont, called the father of West 
Virginia — while Governor of Old Virginia in 1861, in- 
strumental in forming this new state. Another marble 
statue is that of Hon. James E. KENNA,one of the first 
U. S. Senators selected from this new state. 



IOWA presents an attractive bronze statue of Hon. 
James Harlan. For several terms from 1856, a prom- 
inent U. S. Senator, also Secretary of the Interior un- 
der President Johnson. Another is the marble statue 
of Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood, one of the celebrated 
war Governors during the civil war, also Secretary of 
the Interior selected by President Garfield. 

MISSOURI contributes a marble statue of Hon. 
Thomas H. Benton, the "Webster of the West," 
who served his state with marked ability continuously 
from 182 1, for 30 years, as a U. S. Senator. 
A marble ptatue of Maj. Gen. Francis P. Blair is 
the other Missouri contribution, a M. C. elected as a 
Republican, and a Maj. General during the civil war, 
The democratic candidate for Vice-President in 1868, 
and a U. S. Senator in 1869. 

ILLINOIS distinguishes herself with two well known 
celebiities as her contribution. An attractive 
bronze statue of General James Shields, an 
officer in the Mexican War and a Major General 
in the Civil War, U. S. Senator from Illinois 
in 1849, and also a U. S. Senator from Minnesota in 
1857, a rare distinction for one man to acquire — This 
state has the distinction of being the first in recognizing 
a place in this Hall, to commemorate the memory of 
one of her remarkable women, who had served well both 
her state and her country-FRANCES E. Willard's mar- 
ble statue will command the attention of every one. 
Although alone in her silence ^yet her marble cast 
speaks volumes to the thousands who visit this place — 
She the founder of the W. C. T. U. and Dean of the 
Woman's College at N. W. University, Evanston. 111., 
made her name a household word far beyond the con- 
fines of her own state. 



3X 



TEXAS, the Lone Star State, comes forward prompt- 
ly with marble statues of two of her distinguished sons, 
Stephen F. Austin, a pioneer of early date, dressed in 
a suit made from deer skin. — The founder of his State, 
who settled the first American Colony on the site of the 
city bearing his name. Also that of Gen. Sam Hous- 
ton, born in Virginia, Governor of Tennessee in 1827, 
General in the Texas Revolution— President of the Tex- 
as Republic in 1845, when it was annexed to the United 
States. U.S. Senator from 1845 to 1859, -distinguished 
for his ability and originality. 

INDIANA presents a marble statue of Hon. Oliver 
P. Morton, a War Governor whose fame as such, and 
loyalty to President Lincoln during these dark days, 
made him a national character. He was also a U. S. 
Senator after the Civil War. Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace's 
marble statue will be easily recognized — A Maj. Gener- 
al in the civil war, a distinguished lecturer and author, 
whose writings are known and read beyond the sea. 

The following States have up to this time furnished 
but one contribution to this Hall. 

ALABAMA presents a marble statue of J. M. L. 
Curry, educator and statesman — A Lieut. Col. in 
the Confederate services — later a Baptist clergyman. 
President of Howard College, Minister to Spain in 
1885 under President Cleveland. 

NORTH CAROLINA presents a marble statue of 
Zebulon B. Vance-M.C. before the civil war, officer in 
the Confederate Army, elected to the U. S. Senate in 
1870. Refused his seat because of disability having 
sworn allegiance to the Confederate Government, re- 
elected in 1879, ^^^ served until 1804. 



22 



SOUTH CAROLINA presents a marble statue of 
her distinguished son, Hon. John C. Calhoun, M. C. 
and U. S. Senator from 1831 to 1843. Secretary of 
War under President Monroe, Secretary of State under 
President Tyler, and Vice-President with President 
Jackson. 

MAINE presents a marble statue of her first Gover- 
nor, Wm. King, elected in 18 19. No special account 
of record is given of this official, though an attractive 
figure. 

MICHIGAN has an attractive marble statue of 
Gen'l Lewis CASS-General in the war of 18 12, Gover- 
nor of his State, Secretary of War under President 
Van Buren, Secretary of State under President Buchan- 
an, and Minister to FRANCE from 1836 to 1842. This 
state has recently selected as their other representative, 
the Hon. Zack Chandler, a distinguished Senator for 
many years, and a man of great ability in his day and 
generation. 

MINNESOTA contributes an attractive statue of 
Hon. Alexander Ramsey, a prominent pioneer of terri- 
torial days — Governor of the Territory from 1849 ^o 
1853 — Governor of the State from 1859 to 1863, and 
Secretary of War under President Hayes during the lat- 
ter portion of his administration. 

WISCONSIN presents an elegant marble statue of 
Father Jacques Marquette robed in priestly costume 
— Missionary,-and Explorer, who with Joliet is said to 
have first discovered the Mississippi river in flm, /o /O 
while sailing down the Wisconsin. 

KANSAS, another of the new states, presents a 
marble statue of Hon. John J. Ingalls, U. S. Senator 



23 



from 1873 to 1889. President Pro tern from 1885 to 
1889; when his term expired — announced himself as a 
Statesman out of a job." 

IDAHO has a marble statue of Col. Geo. L. Shoup 
— Pioneer, Indian Scout in 1861, Governor of the 
Territory in 1880, U. S. Senator in 1889. 

BESIDE the 37 statues contributed by the several 
States mentioned, there area half dozen others belong- 
ing to the Nation, located in the great Capitol rotunda, 
beneath a canopy which rising 180 feet, to a lantern 15 
feet in diameter, and 50 feet high — which when lighted 
illuminates the great Capitol dome, and also apprises 
the public outside, that the Congress is in session. 
Above this lantern is a bronze statue of "armed lib- 
erty", 19 feet, 6 inches in length, the head dress ol 
which, in the original design was the cc;? of the Goddess 
of Liberty, said to have been objected to by Jefferson 
Davis, then Secretary of AVar, as inappropriate for such 
a great public building — Herman Powers, the Sculptor, 
was consulted and he supplemented another design 
with a head dress of feathers, upon which rests a helmet, 
surmounted by a Golden Eagle in repose — this was 
promptly accepted. The dome however was not com- 
pleted with its decorations, and beautiful allegorical 
paintings until the year 1864. 

About this great rotunda, and beneath this 
beautiful dome, are the marble statues of six more 
distinguished American citizens thus honored, loved 
and respected, who had rendered especially 
valuable services to their country for which, 
their names will go down in history as a National in- 
heritance belonging alike to every loyal citizen of this 
entire country. 



24 



The first of which is that of George Wash- 
ington, "The Father of his Country," first presi- 
dent of the United States of .^merica, "First in war, 
First in peace, and First in the hearts of his Country- 
men." 

Next is that of Thomas Jefferson, a Diplomat 
of great ability, author of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence, and claimed by his admirers as the Father of the 
great Democratic Party. 

Next to this is the statue of Alexander Hamilton, 
— First Secretary of the Treasury under President 
Washington; distinguished as a political writer, author, 
and founder of our American system of finance. 

Next to this is that of Abraham Lincoln, 
the "Great Emancipator" — Elected President in i860, 
by a Republican Party whose birthright dates from 
1855, and whose birthplace, has since been traced to 
the little City of Ripon, Green Lake Co., Wisconsin. 

Armagedon had not then been discovered as a stragetic 
point, — Fort Sumpter proved to be the spot, and the 
dear old Flag the contention — the "Red, White and Blue" 
the song of inspiration with AbrahamLincoln as our sane 
luyal commander. President Lincoln's life was 
however, ruthlessly sacrificed upon the alter of his 
Country, before his great work was fully accomplished. 

Next is that of Lieutenant General Ulysses 
S. Grant, the silent soldier and military 
commander, whose motto "Unconditional Surrender" 
became the watch word, until every contention against 
the Supremacy of the Constitution had been silenced, 
and the messenger of peace announced at Appomattox. 



25 



The sixth is that of Gen'l Edward D. Baker, 
a hero of two wars, mortally wounded at 
Balls Bluff in 1861, at the very beginning 
of the civil war, distinguished for his bravery, and 
loved by his command for his devotion to duty. 

To give a further detailed description of this great 
Capitol building with all its decorations and beautiful 
settings — would require the genius of an architect-the 
touch of an artist, — the vision of a critic, — and the 
courage of a trusted observer, with an independent 
conscience— "all UNDER ONE HAT." 

ABOUT this great structure centers the political life 
and the political activities of the Nation. Civil ser- 
vice regulations are not permitted to show their 
disturbing power, as against the will of the political 
party, which perchance may be in the majority — 
every expectant knee must bow obedience to the will 
of the dominant party. The forces which are employed 
within the Capitol walls — (divided only by the great 
midway rotunda) yield ready obedience to that unwritten 
law, which courts of record seem willing to pass un- 
challenged. 

Capitol Park, surrounding this magnificent structure 
comprises 58 8-10 acres laid outwith walks and drives, 
for the accomodation of the public, many trees of rare 
nativity have been contributed to these grounds by dis- 
tinguished foreign visitors. 

Flanking the Capitol grounds on either side, 
are the great ofifice buildings for the Senate 
and House of Representatives, constructed from 



26 



Vermont white marble, each of commanding 
proportions and occupying an entire square with a 
court on one side or center for light and circulation. 
The Senate Building N. E. contains about 350 rooms. 
The House Building, S E. about 500 rooms, all beauti- 
fully furnished with mahogany desks, chairs and tables 
— Also rugs, and type writing machines, together with 
other conveniences, including a telephone exchange in 
each suit. The furnishings in each building is estima- 
ted to have cost a round million dollars. The buildings 
are connected with their respective capitol extensions 
by steam heated and electric lighted subways, made of 
white brick and granite — recognized as absolutely fire 
proof, constructed large enough for automobile service, 
including a rail protected walk for pedestrians. Free 
automobile service may be secured while the Congress 
is in session, by an electric call at either end of this 
subway. 

FRONTING the Capitol Grounds, on the east, 
stands the beautiful Congressional Library, with its 
Mural decorations, and its hundred thousand dollar ap- 
proach; presenting the most attractive, most artistic, 
and pre-eminently the most expensive: therefore the 
grandest public building next to the Capitol itself, that 
adorns the City of Washington on Capitol Hill. The 
ground upon which this building stands comprises three 
and one-half acres. The park surrounding the library, 
having a frontage on four streets. The exterior of this 
beautiful building is constructed largely from New 
Hampshire granite. The interior finish presents an ar- 
tistic combination of Maryland, Vermont and Italian 
marble of white and variagated colors. The dome ris- 
ing to an altitude of 195 feet,is covered with black cop- 



27 



per with gilded panels of heavy gold leaf — The crest 
representing the "Torch of science" — always burning. 
This building contains three floors. On the ground or 
street floor reached by an automobile driveway, are the 
Superintendent's ol^ces, the copyright rooms, bindery, 
and reading room for the blind. The. first floor above 
the street is reached by this hundred thousand dollar 
approach, up several flights of granite stairs from as 
many different directions, to a corridor where one must 
check their wraps, umbrellas and surplus baggage, be- 
fore being admitted to the great marble pavilion. There 
are said to be over thirty windows in the corner pavil- 
ion, and west facade decorated with carved heads of 
the several races of mankind. The entrance to this pa- 
vilion has a group of very attractive white marble pil- 
lars, surmounted with beautifully carved Corinthian 
capitals — The two Grand central stairways of pure 
white marble on either side of this pavillion will also 
command your admiration — There are several lofty 
white marble pillars on either side of this stairway 
which are also beautifully adorned with Corinthian cap- 
itals, while the several arches thus formed, are beauti- 
fully ornamented with white marble rosettes, palm leaves, 
and other foliage in delicate design — Paintings in al- 
most every attractive perception are displayed here to 
please the eye — A detailed description of which will 
not be attempted, "Life is too short" and the list too 
long. 

Briefly stated however, there are great varieties 
of Allegorical productions, representing the old, and' 
the new in Art, Literature, Poetry, Science, and Indus- 
try — These with many contributions of sculpture, are 
simply referred to. .Specifically, we may be permitted 
to suggest as among the more attractive, ' The Mosaic 
Mantel "Law" and the Mosaic Mantel "History" by 

28 



Fr. Dielman: "War and Peace" by Gari Melchers: "The 
Virtues" by Geo. W, Maynard, presenting eight floating 
figures in Pompeiian style:- Prudence, Courage, Patriot- 
ism, Fortitude, Temperance, Justice, Concordia and Industry." 
The "Sciences," and the Graces by Walter Shirlaw. 

The rotunda of the public reading room, is in the 
form of an octagon circle, erected as though loca- 
ted within a court, and seemingly independent of the 
main structure. The repositories for this great library 
are each separate fire-proof structures located about 
this circle — with beautiful courts at convenient points 
for ventilation and light. The reading room, a "Gem'' 
itself, is about loo feet in diameter and about 120 feet 
high, with marble pillars supporting a gallery of beauti- 
ful design and coloring — These pillars, some 40 feet 
high, with colorings imported from Siena and Numedia 
support this gallery — while the dome appears to be 
finished in Old Ivory. Bronze statues representing char- 
acters distinguished in the several fields of learning are 
placed in the gallery. About this gallery are to be 
found the "trysting nooks" occupied by young brides 
enjoying their honeymoon, where they sit and muse 
about the beautiful present, so full of happy anticipa- 
tions — Almost any hour while the room is open one 
may unwittingly intrude upon some of them. In the 
evening, however, when the gallery is lighted and the 
great dome illuminated with its myriad of electric lights, 
the scene changes to a brilliancy that withdraws one's 
observations to the magnificent scenic effect. It is a 
veritable dream of beauty and brilliancy which elimi- 
nates all thought of description. 

In the center of the public reading room located direct- 
ly beneath this beautiful dome, on a raised platform, is 
a circular desk for messengers and attendants. If you 
desire to consult any known publication, you fill out 



29 



a blank card, with title, name, and author, if known, 
sign your name and P. O. address, and the number of 
the seat you propose to occupy. The messenger looks 
up the book and places it on your table. When you 
are through, you return the book to the messenger's 
counter, receive your card, and the service is closed. 
Reservations for the use of a specific work can be se- 
cured but for a single day. No one but Members of 
Congress, Members of the Supreme Court, the Presi- 
dent and Government Officials, are permitted to take 
books from the building. Special reading rooms for 
the House Members and for Senators are fitted up off 
the south corridors. This corridor leads to a News 
Room, where all the Metropolitan dailies, magazines and 
literary publications are to be found for the free use of 
the public. In the Senate and House rooms the public 
is not admitted. Before reaching the newspaper rooms 
at the entrance to this corridor, are found files of an- 
cient and historic documents. Newspaper publications 
from the beginning, sample copies of Confederate pub- 
lications on straw paper and cardboard, issued during 
the Civil War, are to be seen in protected glass cases. 



On the floor above this, are Lithographs, Etchings, 
and Steel Engravings of distinguished Authors, Rulers, 
Sculptors, Diplomats, Statesmen and puffed-up Heroes, 
Monks, Poets and Cardinals, all piteously decorated in 
unsanitary wigs of huge proportions, or "touched up" 
in a garb of unrecognizable fitness — Biblical produc- 
tions that would almost check your circulation, admon- 
ishing the visitor "to move on." Views of palatial 
public buildings. Monasteries, and Cathedrals, all of 
which date back to the 14th, 15th and i6th centuries at 
a period which the present generation will never take 
the time and trouble to investigate, or verify. 



30 



The library is open to the public for a given time ev- 
ery day in the year, including Sundays. Communica- 
tion by phone, and pneumatic tubes with the Capitol 
enable members to call for, and receive service from 
this library without going outside the Capitol Building. 
The files are so complete, and so systematically ar- 
ranged for prompt and accurate service by the use of 
these pneumatic devices connected with each of the 
nine stories of book racks, that out of this vast collection 
of a million, three hundred thousand volumes — you are 
not delayed but a few moments from the time your or- 
der is placed with the messenger, before the work is put 
upon your table. This library was first established in 
1800, by Act of Congress; since then two disastrous 
fires have done great damage to the collection. This 
vast accumulation of volumes gathered from all parts 
of the world} (some of which are printed in every lan- 
guage known among civilized countries) are now se- 
curely housed in a fire-proof structure costing the snug 
little sum of Six and One-half Million dollars. On the 
upper floor is an attractive Restaurant or Cafe, for out 
of town patrons and visitors, who may have extended 
research work before them demanding all their avail- 
able time. 

In this connection it may be said that up to this 
time, no one has made application for documentary in- 
formation upon any known topic in public print, and 
been disappointed by not finding it here, so extensive 
and complete are their files. 

Before passing from this wonderful building with its 
marvelous collection, which if placed in an upright po- 
sition side by side, would reach a distance of over four 
miles, I am pleased to acknowledge the splendid op- 

31 



portunity offered for research upon any topic desired, 
and to recognize the courtesy extended in acquiring 
data and historic knowledge of the principal events I 
have undertaken to present, (only a synopsis of which 
must suffice in this publication.) 

ONE of the most historic buildings now standing on 
Capitol Hill, and frontingthe eastern approach to the 
Capitol Building, is what is now known as "The Old 
Capitol Prison." The building is of brick, with three 
stories and Mansard, also a basement entirely above the 
present street grade, this forming what is called the 
dungeon, entrance to which is made by old fashioned 
incline cellar doors. 

Congress convened in this building from 
1815 to 1819, while the Capitol Building fired 
by the British in 1814 was being rebuilt. The inaugu- 
ration of James Monroe took place herein 181 7 — Later 
the building was converted into a hotel. In March. 
1850, John C. Calhoun, then a guest at this hotel, was 
taken ill and died here. During the civil war, this 
building was used as a Guard House, or Military Pris- 
on. Many a bold soldier boy doubtless, has been an 
unwilling guest in this old Capitol Building during his 
first stay in Washington. 

In the rear of this lot was erected the gallows on 
which Captain Henry Wirz, the notorious com- 
mandant of Andersonville Prison was hung — 
His arrest was made May 7, 1865, by forces un- 
der the command of Gen'l Wilson, Volunteer Cavalry, 
whose headquarters was then at Macon, Ga., who with 
the prison records, under guard of Capt. Noyes, was 



32 



ordered brought to Washington. He encountered many 
obstacles, making the journey between Macon and Cin- 
cinnati, a perilous one for his prisoner. Many former 
Union prisoners who had "served time" at Anderson- 
ville, were stationed along this line at various points, 
and recognized Wirz. They made several attempts to 
capture him from his guard; doubtless wishing to re- 
lieve the authorities at Washington by taking the "short 
route" as they called it. Approaching Chattanooga, 
Capt. Noyes had his prisoner disguised by being 
smoothly shaven, and dressed in black with a silk tile 
hat; but the old boys seemed to scent his approach 
and it was with difficulty that he was gotten through the 
city. 

Arriving at Washington, a Court Martial was 
convened Aug. 23, 1865, with Col. Chapman as acting 
Judge Advocate. One hundred and fifty witnesses 
were examined who testified to all sorts of atrocities 
perpetrated by Wirz on Union Soldiers for the slightest 
offense— Some being shot down, Some being kicked af- 
ter being shot down, others were run down by blood- 
hounds. Testimony was concluded Oct. 18, 1865, and 
sentence of death by hanging given on the 3rd of Nov- 
ember. President Andrew Johnson approved the sen- 
tence, and on November 10, 1865, he was hanged on 
the gallows erected in the rear of this Old Capitol 
Prison. His body was interred alongside that of 
Atzerrodt, one of the accomplices connected with the 
assassination of President Lincoln. The building is 
now used in part as a rooming and boarding house. 

OLD Washington Inn, located on North Capitol 
Street, near the Capitol Grounds, is another place 
full of historic interest-Here General Washington made 



33 



his home, during a portion of his official life. The 
building was of brick, three or four stories high, (and 
called the tallest house on the hill.) Standing upon a 
high elevation overlooking the "dismal swamp" — and 
the old Potomac Steamboat Landing, near Pennsylvania 
Avenue, (where the Central Market now stands.) Since 
the grading down of streets was inaugurated by north- 
ern enterprise which located here after the civil war, 
The Old Inn found itself so "stuck up," that the owner 
was compelled to build two full stories under it, to bring 
the entrance down to the grade. The building has been 
much improved since, and is now known as the 
Old Washington Inn, and like the old Capitol 
Prison located on the opposite side of the 
Capitol Grounds, is now used as a private 
boarding house. It is remarkable to observe 
how many once historic buildings are now made use of 
in Washington as private boarding houses, and to find 
so many refined ladies conducting them, who befo de 
wah" were in affluence, or independent of an occupa- 
tion of this sort. 

REFORE leaving Capitol Hill, it may be well to get 
our bearings of the Cit}^ proper — The City, as origi- 
nally surveyed by Major L'Enfant, was laid out in four 
divisions — with the Capitol Grounds as the hub or cen- 
ter — and are named respectively, 'Washington, North- 
east," "Washington North-west," "Washington South- 
east," and "Washington South-west." 

Draw a line, if you please, due East and West, and 
another exactly North and South, with the center of the 
Capital Dome as the Section corner, and 3fou have these 
four divisions, which, as will be seen, are necessary to 



34 



be observed in addressing correspondence — The four 
lines thus drawn will represent North, South, East and 
West Capitol streets — running from the Capitol grounds 
to the city limits; these streets are each i6o feet wide. 
Additional streets, though not as broad, are laid out 
paralleling the sides of the Capitol grounds designated 
by letters and numerals. -Streets running East and West 
are called by letters — as A-B-C-D. Streets running 
North and South, are designated by numerals as ist, 
2nd, 3rd, 4th. So that to complete an address, one 
must add— "A" Street N. E., or "B" Street S. W., as 
the case may be — ^nd the same with the numerals, as 
"ist Street" N. W. or S. E., or "loth Street" N. E. 
or N. W. There are no ward divisions in Washington 
as are found in most cities. 

In addition to these streets thus described, there are 
Avenues, running on angular lines from the Capitol 
grounds, and from the White House grounds also, all 
named after States; each being 160 feet wide. Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue having the distinction of being the only 
street or avenue having a direct line between the White 
House and the Capitol grounds, Maryland Avenue, 
running N. by N. E., and S. by S. W., crosses New 
Jersey Avenue at right angles at the Capitol grounds; 
while Penn Avenue, running W. by N, W., crosses 
Delaware Avenue at a right angle, at the Capitol 
grounds. New York Avenue, running E. by N. E., 
crosses Connecticut Avenue at the White House at a 
right angle; Vermont Avenue crosses Pennsylvania 
Avenue at a right angle at the White House grounds. 
Many other avenues like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, 
Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, 
Maine and Louisiana Avenues, are interlocked with 
other Streets or Avenues at different places, creating 
many ugly shaped angles at these intersections. 



35 



To overcome this, Circles or Squares have been lajd 
out to absorb these sharp angles, where small parks 
have thus been created, with a suitable monument to 
adorn and give the place a name — like Washington Cir- 
cle, with an Equestrian Statue of General Washington 
mounted on his favorite horse; LaFa}'ette Square, op- 
posite the White House, bearing the same distinction. 
Dupont Circle, named after Admiral Dupont. Frank- 
lin Square after Benjamin Franklin; Thomas Circle af- 
ter General Thomas; each with a suitable statue, beside 
a number of circles of lesser distinction perhaps, all of 
which are laid out in walks; some with beds of flowers, 
and fountains; offering out-door play grounds for small 
children in the daj^ time, and outing places for others 
in the evening — It is interesting on a pleasant afternoon 
to observe the number of "bkte4e — BMurunys," attired in 
spotless white aprons, with their push carts containing 
their precious care, while the mothers are probably at- 
tending the Matinee, or perhaps a Diplomatic reception, 
or some ' Coming out" function, or may be they are 
just 'looking in'' at the Chop Suey" with a visiting 
friend. 

HAVING our bearings, we leave Capitol Hill by the 
western approach and enter the "Mall." Before 
preceeding,*we will look at the great "Peace Monu- 
ment," standing on the right of the Mall, at the head of 
Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W. The figures are "Amer- 
ica weeping;" — "Victory -with laurel wreath;" — and 
Peace with an olive branch." This monument of 
marble was erected by the mariners and seamen after 
the conclusion of peace in 1865. The tablet reads: - 






36 



At the left of the Mall, at the head of Maryland Ave- 
nue S. W., is a marble statue of Ex-Prrsident James 
A. Garfield, standing erect as in debate, his figure 
facing the avenue. 

In the center of and within the Mall enclosure, is now 
being erected one of the most imposing monuments 
among the half hundred, to be seen in Washington's 
parks and public places, that of Ijeutenant General 
Ui-YSSES S. Grant, costing approximately Two Hund- 
red and Fifty Thousand Dollars— This Monument will 
stand at the foot of the western approach to the Capitol 
grounds. 

PICTURE to your mind an area of ground three 
squares wide at the east end, and facing the center 
of the Capitol, thence gradually widening, going west 
at an angle of 22^ degrees on each side for three 
squares, then jog back one block on each side, then 
continue west along same angle bounded by Missouri 
Avenue on the North, and Maine Avenue on the South, 
until they intersect with B. Street N. W. and B. Street 
S. W. (or the north and south boundary line of the 
Capitol grounds), thence running due west seventeen 
squares, or a distance, from the beginning, of more 
than one mile, and you have the Mall. The Execu- 
tive Park grounds here join the Mall on the north, 
they consist of a square plat, equal in area to six 
blocks, or squares as they are called. Potomac Park 
also connects with the Mall at the west end, extending 
to the Potomac River thus forming by thru connections 
what is called in part the "speed way," where the young 
bloods (and the old ones too) bring out their latest in 
vehicles of every type that will attract your notice. A 



37 



speed limit is provided, but sometimes the watch runs 
down, or the indicator balks. 

The Executive Park grounds referred to, are laid out 
in walks, lagoons, flowerbeds, etc., and are supplied 
with seats for the weary, or the disconsolate public. 

DIRECTLY north of these Executive Grounds, are 
the White House Grounds, containing /o:/r squares, 
enclosed with a high iron picket fence. In the center 
of which is the Executive Mansion, (so called) con- 
struction of which, began in 1807, and together with 
the rebuilding (after being fired by the British in 18 14) 
the alterations, additions and furnishings have cost, up 
to the present time, the sum of One Million Seven 
Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars, the commercial 
value of which I reckon would not be appraised at one- 
half this sum. The building is a disappointment to the 
visitor, in its arrangement, and in its architectural ap- 
pearance, being as all old structures are, composed of 
"patch work" executed by different administrations. 
Ex-President Roosevelt "did it up good and proper" 
in the construction of the new Executive offices, con- 
necting it with the street on the west. The Home 
feature has now been entirely eliminated by this, and 
other additions for a conservatory made by some prior 
administration. 

The White House of today resembles more the home 
of a Cross Country Club, with a bowling alley on one end, 
and a buffet on the other. 

The crying need at this time, would seem to be for a 
new modern and capacious executive home for our 
presidents; one commensurate with the growth and de- 
velopment of the country, — one that would be the pride 

38 i 



and admiration of our people, and command the re- 
spect and admiration of people from other countries. 
It is not pleasant when visiting the Capitol of the na- 
tion, to bow our heads with disappointment at what 
should be the glorj^ of our anticipation. The days of 
Log Cabins and birch bark canoes, when this old home 
was constructed a century ago, have passed. We should 
now get together, and plant our ideals upon a higher 
plane, by building for the present, and for the future 
as well. A half hundred or more silent statues of men 
who have achieved distinction both in war and in peace, 
now adorn the City — A new up-to-date home for the liv- 
ing would be a monument much more appreciated by 
the people who visit Washington than blocks of stone, 
or shafts of marble erected to the memory of men we 
never saw, and of which the present generation know 
but little. We all can admire an attractive home for 
our living, and perhaps enjoy the pleasure and distinc- 
tion of a visit to it occasionally — While a single glance 
of the eye. and a guess at the significance, would be all 
we could retain of the various statues now on exhibi. 
tion. The following incident will illustrate the experi- 
ence of many others. 

"a pair of newly weds" from down in Indiana some- 
where, taking in the sights at Washington, were ob- 
served one day gazing intently at a group of statuary 
near the Capitol, representing the discovery of America 
— Columbus was personated as holding in his hand, 
with arm extended, a small globe, while beneath his 
ponderous limbs, crouches an Indian maiden without a 
particle of drapery to shield her figure — This statue 
seemed to puzzle the young couple, finally the young 
bride remarked in a very confiding tone to her Willie, 
"l know what that is! that's Pocahontas and Captain 
John Smith. "Oh no, Florence, I'll tell you what I 



39 



think it is — You know they have a base ball club here 
called the Senators; and that man is their big pitcher. 
You see he has a ball in his hand all ready to open the 
game, and that girl must be their Mascot." Come on 
William ain't you ashamed, I guess I know Pocahontas" 
— They then walked away to look at another group — 
This one was to represent "American Sentiment." A 
hunter is personated as rescuing a white woman with a 
nude babe in her arms, from an Indian; near by was 
the hunter's faithful dog — "Well William" she said, as 
she snuggled up a little closer to him to hide one eye 
— "What in the world do you call that?" "Well, 
Florence, that's nothing to do with athletics, as sure as 
your born — and really I'll have to give it up — because 
you know I never traveled very much." "Oh my! Oh 
my! — Washington must be an awful funny place to live 
in" he consolingly remarked: — " aw hawV she sighed. 

This will indicate the sort of intellectual interest 
manifested by a great majority of visitors coming to 
Washington — They either do not know, or do not seem 
to care for cold voiceless piles of marble or bronze. 
This monument business has been overdone, so that it 
is no longer a distinction that commands our admira- 
tion, beside there is not one in ten of these productions 
that is of American Conception — They are largely bor- 
rowed from antiquity: conceptions which should be 
buried with the dead past. 



A PORTION of the Executive grounds directly 
"t*- south of and adjoining the White House grounds 
would naturally seem to be the ideal spot for a new 
Presidential Home. There is room enough — at the 
same time it is most beautiful in its surroundings, and 



40 



rich in its harmon}'^ with many valuable historic associ- 
ations. Then if you please let the present White 
House be preserved for Presidential antiquities, Presi- 
dential statues, and recollections of our former Chief 
Executives, from Washington down — Make of it and 
the grounds necessary for this purpose, a Presidential 
Museum preserving intact all the paintings and fur- 
nishings handed down from time to time, by former 
administrations. Let our representatives be instructed 
to cease their bickerings over the "tweedle dee" of po- 
litical strategy, and the "tweedle dum" of political 
patronage — and proceed patriotically to the building 
up of American prestige and American hospitality for 
our honored executives. 

At the extreme east end of the Mall, are the Botan- 
ical Gardens; they comprise that portion in the angle 
area running west to the intersection of B. Street North- 
west, and B. Street South-west. Here flowers and 
plants in great variety are grown — Miniature grottos, 
fountains, and other attractive formations produced 
along botanical lines. Standing upon the broad prom- 
enade at the west side of the Capitol, the visitor looks 
down upon this dream of love" as it has been named, 
with amazement and admiration at what can be pro- 
duced by an artistic botanist when financed by Uncle 
Sam. Connected on the west, separated only by a 
driveway along 6th Street, which crosses the Mall 
here, are the Smithsonian grounds, extending across the 
Mall from north to south, covering an area of twelve 
squares; on these grounds are located The Smithsonian 
Institute, The Old National Museum, The Medical Mu- 
seum, The Fisheries; and further along the A75J6' National 
Museum. Adjoining these grounds on the west — (di- 
vided by another driveway across the Mall at 12th 
Street) are the Agricultuial Grounds, presided over for 



41 



so many years by Tama Jim" of Iowa, The disting- 
uished Sect, of Agriculture. These grounds extend 
across the Mall from North to South, covering an area 
of six squares. Here may be seen every variety of 
field or garden plant, bush or shrub known to plant life 
in process of development, some inside, and some of 
them outside the experimental station. Directly west 
of this, (separated only by a drive along i6th Street,) 
are the Monumental Grounds, extending also across 
the Mall from North to South, and covering an area 
of twenty squares. In the center of these grounds, upon 
the highest elevation in the Mall, and a point due 
south from the White House, a distance of six squares, 
and at a point due west from the Capitol Dome, a dis- 
tance of sixteen blocks, or squares, (as they are called) 
— stands the great Washington Monument, one of the 
most picturesque, and at the same time, most necessary 
land-marks for one visiting the City. Lose sight of this 
Monument and the Capital Dome, and you may as well 
call the patrol wagon. 

If the Capitol Grounds contain practically 60 acres, 
as I am informed by the Superintendent of Grounds, 
the Mall would contain by same scale, approximately 
350 acres — this with the Executive Park and Potomac 
Park would make a total of more than 500 acres of 
Government Park property in one connected body, 
right in the heart of the City— This will impress the visitor 
with the magnitude, and vastness of reservations made 
for the public use in the original and subsequent draft 
of the Capitol plat — add to this, the number of squares 
acquired since, for various public buildings erected 
outside these reservations, and the total simply reaches 
far beyond any comparison on this continent — Millions 
have been appropriated for such acquisitions, and mil- 
lions more are to be called for in the near future, for 



42 



further needed buildings and further contemplated im- 
provements. Practically all the great public buildings 
erected in Washington during the past forty years, are 
now over crowded, except the Capitol, while many have 
since been doubled in capacity to meet the growing 
needs of public business. The Public Printing Office, 
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, The Post Office 
Department, The Interior Department, and the Treas- 
ury Department have made the more conspicuous 
growth — while the U. S. Supreme Court, the depart- 
ment of State, The Department of Commerce, The De- 
partment of Labor, and the Agricultural Deparment 
and the Navy Department, are now knocking at the 
door of Congress for additional room, and demanding 
recognition. 

BUT we must lift up our heads, and see if we can 
once more locate the great Washington Monument 
towering 555/^ feet toward the blue dome above. This 
monument when erected was the highest work of mas- 
onry in the world — it is in the shape of an obelisk, 55 
feet square at the base, and 34 feet square at the top. 
The walls are 15 feet thick at the surface of the ground, 
narrowing to 18 inches at the summit. The foundation 
is said to extend 36 feet below the surface of the ground, 
and is constructed of rock laid in cement — (concrete 
not having been discovered at this time,) the base of 
which is 126 feet square. Memorial blocks of marble, 
appropriately engraved were contributed from some 40 
states and from various organizations and lodges which 
are shown in the stairway surrounding the elevator 
shaft. It requires seven minutes time to make the as- 
cent by the elevator, which will carry 25 or 30 people 
in each journey up or down — Admission free — The 
shaft is lighted by electricity, and by loop holes in the 



43 



wall which also light the stairway — The corner stone of 
this monument was laid in the year 1848, though the 
work of construction was not completed until 1885. 
Thirty-seven years later, Ron. Robert C. Winthrop of 
Boston, delivered the oration at the laying of the cor- 
ner stone in 1848, and at the dedication in 1885 — It is 
interesting to refer to a portion of this distinguished 
orator's suggestions — in speaking of General Washing- 
ton he said: 

^ "Build it to the skies, you cannot outreach 

the loftiness of his principles. 

Found it upun the massive and eternal rock, 
you cannot make it more enduring than his 
J fame. 

J Construct it of Parian marble, you cannot 

5 make it purer than his life. 

^ Exhaust upon it, the rules and principles of 

5 ancient and modern art, you cannot make it 
^ more proportionate than his character." 

FROM the summit of the monument the view is most 
inspiring — stretching away to the south, the drowsy 
Potomac wends its way reverently past Mount Vernon, 
and on to the Chesapeake. To the west the hills of 
Old Virginia smile with beauty, when the morning sun 
makes its appearance above the horizon, while almost 
at our veiy feet, is the Eternal City, where sleep the 
heroic dead, whose number will never be recorded, un- 
til the last bugle call has been sounded, and the last 
soldier at Arlington lovingly crowned. Changing our 
position and point of observation to the north loop 
hole window, (scarcely large enough for two people to 
look through at the same time) we cast a furtive glance 
at the squatty old While House, only a few hundred 



44 



feet awa3% and see in the distance the interestingly 
strange buildings, narrow streets, and bluffy outlines of 
the quaint old City of Georgetown — This is indeed a 
historic city. Here General Washington once lived at 
a small hotel, since converted into and used as a mer- 
cantile building; a second hand clothing store has the 
unique distinction of being the latest tenant. Here 
too, once stood the old "Key Mansion" — where 
Francis Scott Key lived — with his law office attached,— 
the acknowledged author of those inspiring and patriotic 
lines The "Star Spangled Banner." (Fort McHenry — 
40 miles away at Baltimore claims the distinction, 
however of being the exact spot where they were 
written) — This old mansion was located at Aqueduct 
bridge, which crosses the broad Potomac over which 
we must pass on our way to Fort Meyer and Arlington. 
The building has been torn down, it having been con- 
demned as being unsafe. The property is owned by 
a Memorial Association one of the many who solicit 
funds from the unwary for their maintenance. 

Here also is the old green Cottage, once the home of 
Emma D. Southworth — standing high up the bank 
overlooking the Potomac, and the Capitol City some 
three miles away — In the distance also, Old Virginia's 
woods and hills present a picture that must have in- 
spired this noted author. A narrow veranda about 
the little story-and-a-half cottage, where, doubtless, (un- 
der these romantic surroundings, )Mrs. Southworth wrote 
her celebrated serial stories, published for so many 
years in Robert Bonner's Weekly; which thrilled the 
heart, and stirred the pulse of many a youth, some 
fifty years ago. For weeks and weeks these stories 
would be marked at the most critical point in the plot, 
"to be continued in our next — ," so as to whet the reader's 



45 



ambition for the next succeeding copy just as soon as 

it left the press. This was the genius spirit which made 

I 
her writings famous, and made Bonner rich. 

GEORGETOWN is also the home of Georgetown 
College for young men, conducted by the Jesuit Fathers. 
The building stands upon the highest point of ground 
overlooking the broad Potomac, and affords opportunity 
to look down upon the newer City of Washington 
which has sprung up since this school was consecrated- 
more than a hundred years ago. 

Here also is the home of the "Convent of Visitation," 
erected many years ago; a body of educators, or 
Cloistered Nuns who after taking the vow, renounce 
the world, enter this retreat, and are never again per- 
mitted to go outside it, unless they are transferred to 
some other similar retreat. They live and die, and 
their bodies are buried within these walls. They have 
however, two lay sisters, who do not take this vow, 
which thereby enables them to go out into the world 
and do the marketing, and attend to such other neces- 
sary business for the maintenance of the school. The 
school is supported chiefly by endowments, and in- 
dividual bequests. In this school have been educated 
many women of distinction in Washington society, and 
is the Alma Mater of many others residing in different 
parts of the county. 

Changing our point of view to the east, we see in the 
distance the Capitol building, which seems to be trying 
to stretch its lofty dome, to a level with our vision, 500 
feet up this monument. To the right and a little east 
of a south line from the Capitol is the government 
Nauy Yard with shops turning out ordnance, or guns 

46 



for our big War Ships. In these shops may be seen 
some of the most ponderous and accurate machinery 
that can be invented to perform this work — Alongside 
are the docks, where the big Iron Clads from Fortress 
Monroe, make their moorings and where the President's 
yacht lies at anchor, looking about as large from this 
viewpoint, as a duck boat on Lake Winnebago. Near the 
Navy Yard, and Government Arsenal are the principle 
barracks, made of brick, and also the officers quarters, 
all surrounding a commodious drill ground. 

To the left on a line directly north of the Capitol is 
the great Union Station just completed and occupied, 
built of marble, and having a frontage of 760 feet on 
Massachusetts Avenue-which by the way runs parallel 
with Pennsylvania Avenue, and is the longest Avenue 
in the city, at the center and west end of which, are 
located some of the largest apartment houses, and 
private residences erected in recent years. 

AT the Union Station where all passenger trains reach- 
ing Washington arrive, a peculiar arrangement was 
worked out to make room necessary to accomodate 
trains bound North and East, and trains bound South 
and Southwest. -Trains from Boston, New York, Phila- 
delphia and Chicago points, arrive under train sheds 
on a level with the waiting room and street. Trains 
from Cincinnati and all points south, including 
Atlantic Coast, and Florida terminal lines approach the 
City over one double track steel bridge, spanning the 
Potomac in the S. W. division, then entering a double 
track tunnel, under and along the East boundary line 
of Capitol park some 50 feet below the surface and un- 
der the East end of the station to a lower level of train 



47 



sheds. Trains from the South do not go beyond 
Washington — Trains from the North and West do not 
pass this station, although special cars may be taken in 
either direction. 

The equipment of this great station, for the con- 
venience of the public, consists of a Parcel check room, 
an Information Bureau, a Baggage check room, Ticket 
office, a large dining room and Lunch counter. Tele- 
graph stands. Telephone booths for long or short dis- 
tance calls, a Drug store. News stand. Cut flowers 
stand. Barber shop. Shoe shine. Smoking room. Wash- 
room and Lavatories. 

At the West end, are the Automobile sheds; at the 
East end the President's room and Automobile shed — 
while in front Electric Cars equipped with under ground 
wire service, pass the door going to all parts of the 
City. A car official in uniform, on duty day or night, 
will guide the visitor to the car that will take them to 
any hotel, or place they may wish to go. 

BEFORE decending from this high altitude of 500 feet 
to "terra firma," and without seeking permission to 
ascend the other 55/^ feet above us, (not allowed to 
visitors); we cast our eyes once more toward the 
Mall, stretching out toward Capitol Hill like a broad 
lane, unoccupied, save by a few public buildings here 
and there along the way. 

When we approached the Mall from the East end, 
we entered the third distinctive development of the 
City. As the Capitol was the hub in the second develop- 
ment, so is the White House the hub in this third de- 
velopment — commonly known as Washington North- 
west- 



48 



In the divisions made by the original survey, in 
which North and South Capitol streets created two 
parts, and East and West Capitol streets reduced this 
to four divisions, it must be borne in mind, that each of 
these four areas are not of equal size. The S. W. 
being much the smaller, because of the Potomac, and 
Anacostia Rivers cutting out a large portion, while the 
N. W. is very much the larger division by reason of 
the vast area now attached to it, not belonging to the 
original plat. West Capitol street has been entirely re- 
moved from the Map, since the improvement creating 
the Mall because now the Center line ofthe Mall was 
once the Center line of West Capitol Street. 

A large part of the Mall was (before the White Man 
laid claim to it) — a Swamp; Tiber Creek wending its 
way from the North-east along a line East of the Union 
Station, thence across Massachusetts and Pennsylvania 
Avenues, until it was lost in the Dismal Swamp. 

For many years after the City was started, this was 
a quagmire. The many street excavations, and grading 
down of uneven sections made of this a dumping 
ground — until by the genius and handiwork of man, 
stimulated by the generous purse of Uncle Sam, it has be- 
come one of the beauty spots of the City. People with 
whom I have conversed, personally remember when 
the Bull Frog Choir held complete control of the music — 
and the now celebrated Marine Band was, (so far as 
talent or competition goes) in a state of embryo, and 
when Capitol park vvas enclosed with a picket fence and 
the village cows, and nanny goats were allowed to steal 
their way through the open gate, and feed upon the tall 
grass along the hillside, until dogged out by some un- 
generous or selfish Government official, who doubtless 
was afraid to encounter them when leaving for his home 



49 



after a ten or twelve hours of faithful labor. There were 
no street lights, or side walks, or street cars in those 
days — bridlepaths were a luxur}'— Pennsylvania avenue 
was then, an impassable highway in bad weather. We 
are not surprised that General Jackson chose to 
mount his horse and ride to the Capitol, hitch it to a 
Hickory Sapling while he went in and took the oath as 
President. It was the only thing to do, and save his job. 

There are no such plain practical democrats now in 
official life at Washington, though some may pose as 
such, when at home among their constituents. Silk hats, 
Kid gloves, Prince Alberts of clerical cut, are as plenti- 
ful here as were the Nanny goats in the park, or the Bull 
frogs in the dismal swamp in Jackson's time. Automo- 
biles or Barouches have supplanted the Saddle. In fact 
the simple life, as a distinction for real democracy is a 
deception. "Yes indeed" it is entirely forgotten when 
one enters the swim of Washington's social life; for 
without the social feature, the political attraction is soon 
lost sight of. 

REFERRING to the so called democratic simplicity 
at Inaugural proceedings, General Jackson's in- 
uaguration evidently leads them all, though Thomas 
Jefferson's name is frequently referred to as the author oi 
democratic simplicity — Jefferson was a man possessed 
of great wealth, as measured at his time. He lived amid 
splendid surroundings, the owner of a large plantation 
in Virginia — having slaves, servants, and blooded 
horses. His home supplied with the finest silver table- 
ware — In fact, he lived the life of an aristocrat. Yet 
when reaching Washington for his first inauguration he 
"put up" at Conrad's boarding house on New Jersey 



50 



Avenue, the most aristocratic stopping place then in 
Washington — according to reliable information; then 
valked to the Capitol accompanied by Samuel Dexter of 
Massachusetts, Secretary of the Treasury, and Benjamin 
Stoddard, of Maryland, Secretary of the Navy, acting 
as his body guard, while a battalion of Militia acted 
as escort, and a battery from Alexandria fired the 
sahte. The mythical story of his mounting his horse 
anC riding to the Capitol, has long since been exploded. 
There was as much of a parade as the district was able 
to furnish at this time, or the condition of the highways 
would permit. 

People came then as now, a days journey to witness 
the ceremony. Men drank their grog, erected political 
Castles; same as now — The ladies donned their best and 
smiled their sweetest-same as now. The only difference 
was the men drank fewer cocktails, and the women 
dressed more becomingly. 

THIS simplicity "punk" is only found in the degree, 
or ability to do things. Powdered wigs, Cocked 
hats, Ruffled shirts, Velvet cutaways. Knee breeches, 
Silk stockings, and Gold shoe buckles, were the proper 
dress in those days — Jefferson omitted none of them in 
his democratic simplicity. To-day such a garb would 
be branded as eccentric extravagance. The perfectly 
dressed gentlemen of to-day necessarily, presents more 
democratic simplicity than Jefferson ever dreamed of in 
his time. It is however asserted, by some one of the 
* 'old inhabitant historians" that at Jefferson's second inau 
guration he was forced to accept of considerable demo 
cratic simplicity. 



51 



Tiber Creek which had its Course across Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue, at that time, had overflowed its banks, 
and Mr. Jefferson's conveyance was not able to ford the 
stream with safet} — So he left his horse hitched to a 
tree while he crossed on a small foot bridge near the 
Capitol ground, and walked up the hill, where the in- 
augeration preceedings were held entirely inside the 
Capitol building. 

A FEW squares from the Union Station stands the 
■^~*-great Government Printing building, said to be one 
of the largest and most comprehensive establishments of 
its kind in the world; and yet it is crowded to its capa- 
city, employing something like 4000 people daily. Of 
this number about 700 are engaged (while the Congress 
is in session) on night duty getting out the proceedings of 
the day's session so that they may be printed and bound 
in pamphlet form, and placed on the members' desks in 
both branches, — before the next day session opens at 
12 o'clock noon. Here, also, are printed many thous- 
and copies of speeches, which for some reason failed of 
delivery on the floor, but by unaminous consent were 
ordered printed, and of course franked for distribution 
by the owner. 

All department publications; reports, or other author- 
ized documents, bound or unbound, including the Con- 
gressional Record, are worked out in this building. 
One hundred and twenty-seven large cylinder power 
presses are in use, many of which are of the most 
modern construction for speed and efficiency. Estimat- 
ing, for illustration, the hourly revolutions of a single 
press at 1000, (which is exceedingly conservative) the 
daily eight hour run would be 8000 sheets. There are, 



52 



in book and pamphlet work, sixteen or more pages on 
each sheet. This will furnish a basis for estimating the 
daily product of a single press. Multipy this by one 
hundred and twenty seven, and we can then begin to 
realize the amount of press work done in this great 
establishment. 

The work done here simply comprises that not be- 
longing to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where 
an entirely different grade or class of work is done, not 
included in this public printing department. In this 
printing building are the Stereotyping, Embossing, — 
and Marbleizing departments, the Paging and Decorat- 
ing departments, where some forty thousand dollars 
worth of Gold Leaf is annually consumed in decorating 
and addressing the covers of books and public docu- 
ments. About one third of this leaf would be lost but 
for a simple device to gather it as the surplus is blown 
from the work. A perforated metal top table, under 
which a suction tube is located, gathers and carries it to 
a receptacle where it is made secure, and shipped to the 
mint at Philadelphia to be converted into coin. 

In this building is also located the Proof Reading de- 
partment where a hundred or more persons, sitting at 
tables in twos, facing each other, read aloud, and cor- 
rect the proofs. They all read at the same time, mak- 
ing a veritable bedlam to a stranger; but, professionally, 
an easy task to those familiar with the work. This is 
one of the most exacting positions in the service, be- 
cause in all work passing this department a degree of 
personal responsibility is attached, which cannot be 
shirked or palliated. 

No forms for printing large editions are used here a 
second time; as soon as the job is complete the type is 
dumped, and melted for a new supply. 



53 



Many women are employed here, some of whom are 
old enough, (l desire to aianounce this sub-rosa,) to 
be Grandmothers; but have, I am told, spent a life 
time at this work, and really believe they are an im- 
portant part of the public service. These positions, to 
a great many thousand misguided ambitions, are simply 
a Convent life that they know not how to surrender. 

The doors of this establishment open at 7:30 a. m., 
and all must be in their places at eight o'clock when 
the power is applied. A half hour for lunch, and the 
daily task is over at 4:30 p. m., when a dozen large 
passenger elevators convey these people as rapidly as 
possible to the street floor, where they hurry to their 
several homes for a hot dinner that awaits their com- 
ing — 77?^ only square meal these people get during the 
day. 

A FEW squares to the west of this Printing Office, 
(located on what is known 2.s Judiciary Square), may 
be found the Pension Building one of the most impres- 
sive, though not as attractive in its outward appearance 
except by close inspection, as many other Goverment 
buildings. 

It covers an area of 200 by 400 feet, and was con- 
structed by the late Adjutant General Meigs. The 
building when completed brought forth many conflicting 
comments because of its unique arrangement. It seems 
to remind one of a structure erected wrong side out. 
About this red brick exterior, which is exceedingly 
plain otherwise, and about one third the way up from 
the foundation, on an apparently continuous white 
tablet, some three feet wide, is seen in bas-relief a 
Military host of Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery, keeping 



54 



step to the drum beat, as in the days of '6i; marching 
Compan}'^ front" in one continuous line, clear around 
this building. Their step is silent, the music hushed, 
but the significance arouses the imagination to a realiza- 
tion of the import of this great silent review. The in- 
terior of this great building is, in appearance, like one 
vast court or amphitheatre, towering seventy five feet 
above the floor. Gallery above Gallery surrounds this 
Court; off from which are offices for some 2000 em- 
ployees, mostly veterans of the Civil War. The roof, 
of Iron and Glass, is supported by immense columns 
constructed of brick, moulded to give the impression of 
solid Corinthian Architecture — Near the center of the 
room, in this vast Ampitheatre is a large Fountain, to 
cool the air in summer. On this floor the Inaugural 
Ball is held where, it is said, eight thousand people 
can be accomodated "if you have the price." No othe 
building in the City of Washington, contains so much'^ 
available floor space as this, or can be as attractively 
decorated for an event of this magnitude. Festoons of 
flowers are profusely draped from the several galleries. 
Artistic figures set in banks of carnations and other 
varieties of flowers adorn the panels on every side; 
while flags and bunting beautifully festooned form a 
veritable bower in which one may feast upon the success 
of decorative art; —listen to the song of birds, and the 
inspiring music of the world's greatest artists; breathe 
the perfume of Nature's choicest flowers; — and view 
the display of queenly grace in handsomely gowned 
ladies, on the arm of their lordly escorts. 

THE GREAT Interior Department of the public 
service is now housed in several buildings which 
have been vacated by other departments — and is located 



55 



officially, in the Old Patent Office on F. and G. North- 
west, between 7th and gth Streets, with an annex in the 
Old Post Office building, (the latter occupying half a 
square just across the street.) Under this administra- 
tion the Indian bureau, the Pension office, the Fisheries, 
the Department of Mines and the General Land Office are 
directed. The Patent Models have either been moved 
to the National Museum, or boxed and stored away, 
with great quantities of other accumulations. 

In by-gone days the old patent office was the Mecca 
for thousands of visitors. Seldom does anyone climb 
its ugly approach now, unless on business. Its archi- 
tecture being so antiquated that even the great Doric 
Columns, that were erected to adorn the F. street ap- 
proach, no longer interest the visitor, except to pro- 
nounce the outlay as being both extravagant, and 
wasteful of public money. The construction was doubt- 
less one of those "old time fobs" for some favorite con- 
tractor. It is a busy place though, and one of the most 
important departments of the public service, employ- 
ing a large force in the different departments. From 
this we approach La Fayette Square. 

ABOUT La Fayette Square, opposite the White 
House, some very interesting associations are 
recorded. Within the Square is the attractive Eques- 
trian Statue of General Jackson, which never fails to 
capture the admiration of "country folk." The Statue 
of Baron Steuben; another of General La Fayette, 
and one of Kosciuszko are much admired by visitors. 
This square is bounded on the North by H. Street N. 
W. — on the South by a portion of Pennsylvania Avenne — 
on the East by "Madison Place." and on the West by 

56 



"Jackson Place," the two latter extending simply the 
width of the square to form a North and South connec- 
tion. Connecticut Avenue horn Vat N. W., and Vermont 
Avenue from the N. E., intersect diagonally at the two 
North corners of this square, while New York Avenue and 
Pennsylvania Avenue intersect diagonally the two South 
corners. 

On Madison Place Henry Clay is said to have once 
owned some very valuable property, which he traded in 
1830 for an Imported Jackass. Afterward a house was 
erected on this property, in which Chief Justice Taney 
lived. Later on Wm. H. Seward resided here, and was 
struck by a would be assassin the night President 
Lincoln was shot, April 15th, 1865. T^ater, James G. 
Blaine occupied the house, and died in the same room 
in which Mr. Seward was assaulted. 

On the same street a little North of this, Miss Dolly 
Madison once lived, when she was the attractive 
society lady of Washington's "Four Hundred." Later, 
General McClellan made this house his military head- 
quarters during the first years of the Civil War. 

On the West side of this square is Jackson Place — 
Here lived for many years — Hon. Charles Sumner the 
distinguished Statesman from Massachusetts, also on 
this street and facing the square was the home of 
Daniel Webster, when Secretary of State under President 
Tyler, and where the celebrated Webster-Ashburton 
Treaty is supposed to have been written, discussed and 
agreed to; which provided for the establishment of the 
boundary line between the British possessions in North 
America, and the United States; the free navigation of 
the St. John's river, near New Brunswick; for a distri- 
bution of some disputed territory; the suppression of 



57 



the African Slave trade, and the extradition of fugitives 
from justice. This treaty was signed August 9, 1842; 
the signatures being simply-WEBSTER AsHBURTON-Lord 
Ashburton of England, and Daniel Webster being re- 
spectively the plenipotentiaries authorized to conclude 
the Treaty. 

Practically all the buildings however, have now been 
demolished, or reconstructed so as to be lost to view, 
as they appeared in this historic period. Notwithstand- 
ing this, thousands of visitors are drawn to this spot 
annually, because there seems to be a halo of reverential 
deference surrounding the place not given to any other 
one spot in Washington. Memories of events which 
have become historic, come to the visitor like a break 
in the clouds, when the noon day sun penetrates, and 
shines forth with welcome brightness, after a beclouded 
morning. 

/-«-■/-' 

TO THE North of La Fayette Place along Ver- 
mont Avenue, to where it intersects Massachusetts 
Avenue, is Thomas Circle — A little to the West of this 
along Massachusetts Avenue, where Rhode Island 
Avenue intersects, is Scott Circle. A little further on, 
where Connecticut iV venue and New Hampshire Avenue 
both intersect Massachusetts Avenue, is Dupont Circle. 
About these three Circles, and along these, several 
avenues and their connecting streets are the homes of 
many of the Foreign Legations, and consequently the 
residences of the many wealthy people who make 
Washington their society home. Some of our most 
distinguished Senators, Judges, Diplomats, and Military and 
Naval officials have their home in this part of the city. 



58 



On Capitol Hill, the residential district is built up 
largely with continuous rows of fine buildings, extend- 
ing frequently along an entire square. In this part of 
the city, the homes are indivdual structures; modern 
in architecture, elegant in construction, and attractive 
to the visitor. This therefore is the Newer Washington 
formerly referred to. It is said that round about 
Dupont Circle, particularly, is centered more repre- 
sentative wealth than at any other one spot in the 
United States. One and two million dollar babies are 
born here, and are just as cross, and just as cute, and 
common as ten cent productions in other localities. 
Of course they are all "perfectly lovely," no matter how 
rich, or how humble their parentage, because they re 
semble their mothers "so much you know", even though 
a stranger would not be able to tell "tother from 
which." 

TEN different Avenues and Streets radiate from 
Dupont Circle, with as much accuracy as do the 
spokes of a wheel from the hub; making this locality a 
geographical hub, as well as a social center. On a 
bright sunny afternoon colored attendants, garbed in 
snow white aprons and nursery caps, with their precious 
little white-born Ka n'Tiirf; ^^ may be seen with their push 
carts perambulating this park like white winged mess- 
engers under a cloudless sky. 

DIRECTLY across the Street to the West of the 
White House is the Army and Navy Building — 
having a frontage of 350 feet, and running back 576 
feet, covering an area of practically two squares. This 
building has five stories, and a Mansard roof, and is 



59 



said to have cost, when completed, Ten Million Seven 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and was constructed 
of granite and marble, that it might be practically fire 
proof. It contains 550 rooms; with over two miles of 
marble corridors; (one of the largest office buildings in 
the world.) The Secretary of State occupies the south 
end, The Secretary of War the west side, and the 
Secretary of the Navy the east side; while the main 
approach is from the north, or Pennsylvania Avenue. 
There are however east and west entrances, used quite 
as much or more, than the Avenue entrance — this en- 
trance being considerably below the street grade. 

A magnificently equipped reception room for diplo- 
matic conferences adjoins the Secretary of States's suit, 
where questions of international import are discussed, 
with the usual deference paid to the legation presenting 
them. In the Secretary of War's office are paintings of 
many former secretaries, from Henry Knox (1789) 
down, hanging on the wall. This room will need to be 
enlarged soon, or the custom discontinued. The same 
suggestion will apply to each of the other departments. 
In this building are housed Models of War Ships, Models 
of the Old Frigates of 1876, the original draft of the 
Declaration of Independence, in the hand writing of 
Thomas Jefferson, with erasures and interlineations by 
Benjamin Franklin; the desk used by Jefferson, with its 
empty ink stand; the uniforms worn by members of 
General Washington's body guard; the sword and belt 
worn by him in active service; The celebrated Gold 
Mounted Crab-tree Cane, that had been presented to 
Benjamin Franklin by "Madam De Forbach, the 
dowager duchess of Deux-Ponts, France", and by him 
later on presented to General Washington as "/7/!sfriend, 
and the friend of mankind;" The old flag of 1861, from 
Fort Sumpter; The flag that draped Mr. Lincoln's casket 



60 



while it was being conveyed to Springfield; — Samples of 
rock from the Chinese Wall, beside many other relics 
and curios, that would be wearisome to enumerate. 

TO THE east of the White House grounds is the 
great U. S. Treasury Building — probably the most 
imposing structure at the west end of Pennsylvania 
Avenue. An attractive Statue is that of Major 
General Wm. T. Sherman — Mounted on his "old war 
horse", erected near the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance 
to the Executive Park, which fronts the southern ap- 
proach to the Treasury building. In this building are 
employed more than 2500 men and women. There is 
paid out frequently from this office in one day Four 
Million dollars in Gold and Silver certificates or bank 
notes fresh from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 
Payments are made upon approved requisitions, officially 
certified to by authorized messengers from the heads of 
departments employed in the public service. 

A surprisingly large sum, averaging nearly a million 
dollars a day is required to replace mutilated notes and 
certificates sent in for redemption. About 300 women 
are employed examining this mutilated stuff, which has 
become unfit for circulation. Many of these women 
have passed middle life, perhaps some have reached 
the last quarter; but they (poor pale faced unfortunates) 
sit about the table as complacently, while assorting this 
unpresentable stock of mutilation and filth, as though 
darning socks, or patching trousers. 

The department has now installed a bank note 
Laundry which renovates this sort of paper if not so 
badly mutilated, or soiled, as to prevent future use; re- 



61 



suiting in an estimated saving of many millions annually. 
Organized labor think they see in this an infringement 
of their prerogative, and are seeking to prevent the 
Government from extending the work of these laundries 
to the sub-treasuries-They seem to object to all labor 
saving appliances being adopted by the Government, 
and have been successful heretofore with some admin- 
istrations. 

It requires, I am informed, fully three fifths of the 
surface measurement of a note to secure full redemption, 
less than three fifths and more than two fifths measure- 
ment secures but one half its value for redemption — A 
less portion than two fifths measurement is valueless for 
redemption. Uncle Sam however reaps a rich harvest 
annually from bank notes and coin certificates, which 
are accidently burned, lost or otherwise lost sight of, 
— consequently never redeemed. 

A majority of these large disbursements are handled by 
one official, who never sees or touches a single dollar of 
the money. He simply passes through the wicket, on 
verified vouchers, sealed and unbroken packages as they 
come to the treasury from the bureau for the amount 
called for. 

The fiscal operations of the Government are all hand- 
led in this building. The seven thousand five hundred 
National Banks in this country are supervised, and 
their securities for circulating notes are deposited here 
in specially constructed steel vaults. 

Through the courtesy of your Congressmen or Sena- 
tor, you may be admitted to the room and be allowed to 
inspect these vaults, and feast your eyes upon this vast 
sum of representative wealth. The more interesting 

62 



part however is to be permitted to enter the Currency 
Vaults, stub your toes against the bags of coin lying 
about the floor, like bags of onions in a vegetable cellar, 
handle the sealed bags of silver and gold which tempt- 
ingly excite one's moral turpitude; one bag said to 
contain $10,000 in gold coin weighing 38 lbs. another 
of silver coin valued at $1000, weighing 60 lbs.; these 
you are permitted to handle for a moment or two. 

Bank Notes and coin certificates are counted at the 
Bureau, and packed with an even hundred notes in each 
package, (regardless of its denomination;) wrapped and 
scaled with a certificate of contents, then conveyed to 
the Treasury every morning and afternoon, in a steel 
armored wagon, thoroughly guarded by armed officials; 
then packed away like so much breakfast food; the in- 
trinsic value of which is simply representative. The 
men having the custody of these vaults are more like 
bonded prisoners, who are locked in and out every day 
and cannot be released until their daily balances are 
verified. The messenger who escorts you through this 
department watches your every move with the eye of a 
trained detective, and is locked with you in every room 
you enter— presumably to guard against any possible 
conspiracy. A force of between sixty and seventy 
watchmen, selected from honorably discharged Army 
and Navy men, are on duty day and night in this build- 
ing — The Captain of the watch receives reports from 
each by 'phone every half hour that "all is well." His 
office is also connected by personal 'phone with the 
Chief of Police, with Fort Meyer, and the Arsenal. Be- 
side this, outside watchmen guard the approach to the 
building, after the business is closed for the day, and 
no one except the Secretary of the Treasury his Chief 
Clerk, and the U. S. Treasurer, are allowed in the build- 

63 



ing. Arms and ammunition to equip a thousand men are 
within reach of the watch, if needed to check any dis- 
turbance. At one time the printing for this department 
was done in this building. 

ANEW Department called the "Bureau of Engrav- 
ing AND Printing," has been established in a 
separate building erected near the Agricultural Grounds 
— where some two thousand men and about two thous- 
and women are employed, turning out, exclusively, en- 
graved printing; consisting of U. S. Notes and Coin Certi- 
ficates, Bonds, Revenue Stamps; Postage Stamps, Customs 
Stamps, Parcel Post Stamps, Disbursing Checks, Postal Cards 
Philippine Stamps, (both postal and revenue,) Philippine 
Certificates and Bonds, Transportation Requests, Consular 
Blanks, Passports, also Stationary for each Department, 
from the Executive down, also for the use of Senators and 
Congressmen, the Army and Navy, and for each of the 
Cabinet bureaus. The Estimate of which, for the year, 
will reach nearly three hundred million impressions — or a 
million impressions for every working day throughout 
the year. 

In the printing of bank Notes, Gold or Silver Cer- 
tificates there are four, and five bills on each sheet. In 
printing postage stamps there are 400 stamps on each 
sheet, or impression. Between seven and eight hundred 
printers are employed in the money department alone. 
Hand power presses are used for sW face print — upon the 
theory that hand power print is more difficult to coun- 
terfeit; Electric power print has recently been installed 
for back printing, it having been shown to the depart- 
ment that this will effect a very large saving in expense, 
and be equally secure from counterfeit. Here again 

64 



organized labor interposed objection to this substitution, 
but without success. 

The engraved plates are heated as hot as toughened 
hands can handle them, for each and every impression. 
They are wiped clean, dried and heated, then newly 
inked. This labor is all piece work and pays from $40 
to ;?6o per week, depending upon the skill of the printer; 
each impression is inspected so that if a workman spoils 
more than two sheets out of each one hundred, he is 
charged up for the paper and ink wasted. Few printers 
care to endure the heat and strain of this work for more 
than eight or nine months at one time. Some will not 
endure this much, without a vacation. 

The estimated requirement for 1914, in bank notes 
and coin certificates alone, will be sixty million sheets; 
or six hundred thousand impressions for every twenty four 
hours. Over 400 hand presses are used in this work, 
each press averaging but 500 impressions for every 
eight hour run. To supply the demand a night force, 
working in eight hour shifts, runs for months at a time, 
frequently. 

THE PAPER used in this work is made at Dalton, 
Massachusetts, by a protected process which is sup- 
posed to be securely guarded against duplication. From 
the time of its arrival at the Bureau, it passes through 
fifty-two divisions and processes, before being accepted 
and made ready for delivery at the Treasury vaults; in 
each of which a check account is kept which must be 
verified daily. Any division failing to furnish this 
check, the employers therein are detained, and a thor- 
ough search instituted at once. If necessary a recount 

65 



of the entire day's work will be made. Not infrequent- 
ly experts employed for this purpose only are called in 
to aid in the research; though but a single sheet is miss- 
ing the same dilligence is exercised as though a thous- 
and dollars were involved. 

The engraving room is not open to the public. A No 
Admission" bar is strictly enforced. We learn however 
that the plates for printing Bank Notes and Coin Cer- 
tificates are under strict surveillance during their use; 
and are locked in a burglar proof vault when not in 
use. Also that the original engraving is never used; 
but is preserved for producing a replica, should a plate 
get injured, worn or broken, so that there might not be 
found the slightest variation in substitution. 

Summarize, if you please, the regular requirements 
of one division of the public service, that you may get a 
glimpse of the magnitude of these undertakings, having 
in this division quite as much or more interest, and so 
will appreciate the information we are able to refer to. 

The number of hand presses running will average 
fully 400. These print 500 sheets each working day 
of eight hours, making 200,000 sheets for the one shift. 
This division is now running nights, with two extra 
shifts to keep up with the demand, each turning out a 
like amount; this would increase the number to 600,000 
sheets, which tallies with the year 1914 estimate. Each 
sheet prints four notes or coin certificates, as the case 
may be, thus making a grand total of Two million four 
hundred thousand notes or bills printed every working day 
throughout the year; the gross weight of which will av- 
erage four thousand pounds, and if spread out on the 
ground, cover an area of nearly /owr acres. The denom- 
inations vary so much that no estimate can be made of 



66 



t'aeir value.butit will reach nearly Four Million Dollars. 
This 'money," as we call it goes into circulation as a 
medium of exchange founded largely upon confidence; 
tho'igh the late J. Pierpont Morgan in his testimony 
before the Pujo Money Trust Enquiry, announced 
that only gold is money, a thing, he said, which could 
not be monopolized by any trust or syndicate known to 
the civilized world. 

That t'lere is a profit for the government in the manu- 
facture ol this "money" is not denied, for it is said that 
the cost o: manufacture is scarcely one per cent of its 
circulating- value, and that this profit goes all to the 
credit side for expenditure; it is non-taxable, and non- 
insurable, ihe redemption of which is practically an 
endless chaiu of reissue until lost or destroyed. 

It requires a special permit to be admitted to the 
rooms where Postage Stamps are manufactured — and 
where they are prepared for shipment. There are here, 
twenty-two stamp presses in daily use — and frequently 
all are running day and night, in eight hour shifts, to keep 
up with the denand. These presses are of special con- 
struction, run by electric motors, having round bed 
plates about four and one-half feet in diameter, upon 
which are placed four forms at right angles. Each 
form prints a sheet of 400 stamps every time the bed 
makes the circuit. It requires one pressman and three 
helpers to operate it, who are expected to turn out 4000 
to 4500 sheets a day of eight hours. So if one press 
gets out 4000 sheets, twenty-two presses will get out 
88,000 sheets, and with 400 stamps on each sheet, we 
have a total daily output of more than Thirty-five million 
stamps, this however does not supply the demand, par- 
ticularly since the parcel post was inaugurated; so that 
this division has been working overtime, with a night 

67 



/ 

force running an eight hour shift; which of course wouli 
make the output three times that number. 

/ 
Printers in the Stamp Division are paid on the blsis 

of production — and earn eight to ten dollars per Jay. 
The American Bank Note Co. has at times underbid 
the estimated cost to the bureau for stamp printirg, un- 
til the figures have been reduced to less than six per 
cent of the valuation of output. This gives a glimpse 
of the margin of profit which a thousand dolUrs worth 
of stamps yield to the Government, or to the ?ost-ofifice 
department. It must be born in mind that this bureau 
must be able (when backed by "Uncle Sam'O to com- 
pete against all reputable bidders — and that when a Su- 
perintendant cannot do this, he has to ''walk the 
plank." There was a time when a politicil pull was 
of more avail than brains or ability; this is no longer 
observable as an obligatory factor in positions involv- 
ing great expenditures of public money. 

There are more than two score more of other forms 
of engraved printing, beside those herein referred to, 
which this bureau is required to furnish, reaching a 
total estimate of over Two hundred and eighty-seven 
million sheets or impressions, being aa increase, over 
last year, of more than Fifteen million impressions. 

The total estimated cost for labor in this division 
alone is $3,068,777, divided as follows :-Printer's work, 
$1,437,475; Engraving, $393,522; assistants and help- 
ers, $1,237,780. 

In the Stamp division, as in all other divisions, the 
same care is exerted in the count of impressions, and 
in mutilations or waste, even to a single stamp. "Ev- 
ery last one" must be accounted for, or the party re- 

68 



sponsible cannot be released until a successful search 
has been made. After the printing and drying, then 
comes the Gumming Machine Department, (the opera- 
tion of which is not explained) but the "gum" is ap- 
plied and dried as the sheets pass through, one follow- 
ing the other in rapid succession; the sheets however 
come out wrinkled and disordered, they are then run 
through calenders until smooth and in order; from this 
the sheets are perforated and divided into blocks of lOo 
stamps on a sheet; again counted, and made ready for 
shipment. 

ALTHOUGH the accomodations in this Bureau 
have been crowded to the limit, even to the extent 
that will be acknowledged as being detrimental to the 
health of employees; certainly to a degree which crip- 
ples the efficiency and expeditious execution of the 
work;— (four thousand people under one roof must be 
nothing short of a "crowded sweat shop" by govern- 
ing sanction), fortunately a new, and very much more 
commodious structure is being erected but a short dist- 
ance away. Before another new year it will be ready to 
occupy. This building is a steel frame with marble 
finish, the estimated cost of which will exceed a million 
dollars, and will be in all respects fire proof. 

For the interior equipment, there will be a further ex- 
penditure, estimated at a half million dollars for machin- 
ery and apparatus, including 200 motor-driven hand 
presses; Thirty more large power plate presses; Fifty 
smaller power plate presses; Three hundred electric 
heating stoves for the printers;Wetting machines; Water 
cooling plants; Ink Mills; Steel lockers; and a long list 
of printer's furniture, etc. 

69 



The old building covers less than half a square; the 
new one will more than double this capacity, and is ex- 
pected to meet the increasing demands of this bureau 
for some years to come. This location was selected 
primarily, because tracks from many of the roads en- 
tering Washington can be extended into or alongside 
the building, which will be the only one of the great 
Governmental Structures, save the new Post-Office 
Building, that can be thus accomodated. The Bureau 
of Engraving and Printing having developed into per- 
haps the largest industrial institution for Governmental 
use at Washington; employing the greater numbertof 
people, and consuming the larger amount of material, 
it became therefore necessary to adjust the work upon 
more economical lines, or be found wanting in efifici- 
ency. 

ANEW device for stamp printing has recently been 
perfected by the Bureau of Engraving and Print- 
ing which is expected to print from a continuous roll 
of paper, wide enough for fifty or more stamps in a 
row, and running at a speed that will produce every 
minute, a string of individual stamps, which if placed 
in a single line, will reach a distance of a mile or more. 
This machine will gum, dry, perforate, count and di- 
vide the sheets into squares of loo stamps, made ready 
for packing. It is known as the "Mile a Minute Stamp 
Press." Soon as the engraved plates are completed, it 
will be put in commission. When this "Mile a Minute" 
press begins to do business, then will be shown a tangi- 
ble illustration of sane and practical progression, that 
ought to make political wind mills "stand up and take 
notice." Think of an output reaching a mile every 
sixty seconds, and we begin to realize the demand 



70 



made upon the Government for just one article for our 
daily use. If the present method of printing yields a 
profit of 93 per cent above cost of labor and material, 
what may we anticipate the "Mile a Minute Press" to do, 
in reducing the cost of stamps. It will certainly stim- 
ulate the advent of penny postage. 

This will naturally suggests to mind that Ex-Senator 
Aldrich was not far from the truth, when he is report- 
ed to have asserted, some time ago, that this Govern- 
ment might reduce the cost of maintenance Three 
Hundred Millions of Dollars Annually, could the sev- 
eral departments be put upon the same basis that every 
other successful manufacturing industry is forced to ac- 
cept, in order to secure themselves against modern 
competition. We however are continually pounding 
away at the high cost of living, at home, while the great- 
est and best Government on earth is frittering away, 
according to Mr. Aldrich, a million dollars every day, 
in useless waste and consequent extravagance. The 
political "bug-a-boo" however is still sounded from the 
house tops, that the Tariff is responsible for the high 
cost of living. Not one man in a thousand of these 
professional critics, can define intelligently the practi- 
cal operations of any sort of a tariff, except as it may 
apply to his own personal interests. Parrot like, we 
may be able to repeat what some "high brow" philoso- 
pher may have told us — But it is like the wind that 
bloweth ; We hear the sound thereof, but know not 
from whence it cometh, or whither it goeth." 

The practical operations of a tariff, either of high or 
low degree, is based upon scientific information in its 
relation to the welfare of all the people, and in its rela- 
tion to the commercial activities we wish to foster, with 
the countries we seek to do business with. We are not 



71 



yet so independent that we can successfully ignore the 
rights of other nations. Idle talk about the tariff is as 
futile as idle talk about the scriptures, and yet we find 
people who know more about both subjects, than they 
know about making a respectable living. 

The demand of the hour would seem to be, for a 
scientific knowledge of tariff' operations. This must be 
ascertained by a Tariff Board, or commission composed 
of men peculiarly equipped with intelligence and re- 
search, to study the question from every angle, and be 
at all times available and ready to inform the President, 
or the Congress upon any condition that may be devel- 
oped from time to time, in which the tariff may form a 
basic part. The old system of a 'give and take" re- 
vision, should be relegated to the past, along with tallow 
candles, and flint lock muskets; they have each served 
their day and generation, and doubtless did the work 
acceptably; but their usefulness has passed with the ad- 
vent of scientific knowledge, and the genius of human 
endeavor. 

Government employees working under civil service 
regulations, are entitled to leave of absence with full 
pay — for so many days each year, the amount varying 
from 26 to 30 days. This however cannot be made 
available until earned, — that is to say, an employee 
working up to the end of the fiscal year June 30, is 
credited with his or her leave — which may then be 
taken out in one vacation; or it may be taken out in 
part, leaving the balance for sick, or other leave, dur- 
ing the coming year. No portion is allowed to lap 
over into the coming year however. All unused leaves 
are cancelled at the end of each fiscal year. In some 
departments this time leave is extended in case of ac- 



72 



cident incurred in the service, or serious illness, to 60 
days. Emplo3'ers who arrive at their work late, even 
five or ten minutes, are docked a half hour — this time 
may be taken out of their leave if they have any due, 
if not it is taken out of their pay slip. The depart- 
ments were compelled to adopt this rule recently, be- 
cause of so many impositions, by habitual laggards. 

DIRECTLY across from the Monument are the Ag- 
ricultural Grounds — presided over by the vener- 
able Secretary of Agriculture, under whose administra- 
tion one of the greatest aids to the agricultural interests 
of the country has been, and now is being developed 
along both scientific and practical lines. Everything 
that applied science, practical experience — or inventive 
genius may suggest, is being worked out for the en- 
couragement and benefit of our great farming industry. 
The buildings are as yet, incomplete; only the two 
wings having been erected, leaving the center or more 
imposing portion, to the liberality of some future Con- 
gress. However, when fully completed, as now 
planned, this marble structure will command the atten- 
tion and admiration of the public, equal to any in the 
Capitol City — About 2500 people are employed in this 
department. Adjoining these grounds on the East, are 
the Smithsonian Grounds— whereon are located the 
Smithsonian Institute, The Medical Museum, and 
the Fisheries. 

In the National Museum near by, a building cost- 
ing about three and one-half million dollars, are gath- 
ered and classified several million specimens or exhib- 
its in Geology, Zoology, Botany, Ethnology, and 
Archeology; beside rare selections in Art, Painting and 



73 



Historical relics. Technological exhibits of numerous 
inventions, such as the Telegraph, the Telephone, the 
Sewing Machine, the Cotton Gin, Transportation by 
land and by water, the first Automobile, the first Flying 
Machine, and many other useful and important devices. 
A large and attractive exhibit is the display of Cliff 
Houses, Mexican Temples, the various American In- 
dian Tribes in life size figures, representing them in 
their different methods of providing subsistance, — The 
Squaws, making blankets and baskets, or grinding corn 
with a huge rock. The Indians erecting pole and clay- 
plastered homes; making arrow flints or bringing in on 
their ponies the result of the day's hunt. There are 
also interesting exhibits of life size figures in native 
costume from the old world — Egyptian, Babylonian, 
and Assyrian warriors; Roman and Greek Sculpture, 
Egyptian Mummies, with an endless variety of inter- 
esting Geological Specimens all. of which must be seen 
to be appreciated. Since the completion of this build- 
ing, the Association has consolidated a great number of 
exhibits that were located in other buildings and halls 
about the city. 

THE Pan American Union, or the International 
Bureau of American Republics — located near the 
White House, was erected at a cost estimated at a mil- 
lion dollars; (of which sum Andrew Carnegie contribu- 
ted about three-fourths, while some twenty or more 
Central and South American countries supplied the bal- 
ance. ) This is used as an official home for these Re- 
publics, An officer and a force of clerks, and foreign 
correspondents are to be found here, employed in the 
development of a better understanding between their 
respective countries and the United States, in enlarg- 



74 



ing commercial activities, and the conservation of 
friendly relations. Its affairs are under the administra- 
tion of a Director General, selected by a governing 
board. Composed of the Secretary of State of this 
Government, and the several Diplomatic representa- 
tives of these Republics, This Director publishes a 
monthly bulletin, which records the progress of the 
work, and through it has done a vast amount of good 
in securing a better acquaintance; stimulating a larger 
commercial trade — and in educating the world powers 
as to the resources and possibilities of these Latin Am- 
erican Countries. This structure, though not so preten- 
tious in size, is pronounced to be one of the most artis- 
tic gems that adorns the city. Beautifully built, of 
white marble, and beautifully decorated inside with 
tropical plants from these several Republics. In the 
corridor of the gallery, suspended from the ceiling, are 
the flags of these Republics, placed their to remain for- 
ever as a memorial from those South and Central Amer- 
ican Republics which have contributed to the construc- 
tion of this building. Marble busts of heroes and pat- 
riots form these various countries are placed along the 
walls. A bust of Hon. James G. Blaine is the United 
States Representative, recognized as one of the earliest 
and foremost advocates of reciprocal trade relations 
with these Latin American Republics. There is also a 
large assembly room on the second floor known as the 
"Hall of the Americans," said to be the most beautiful 
assembly room in this country. It will comfortably 
seat one thousand people. 

THE Department of Commerce; and the Depart- 
ment OF Labor, (recently created by the 62d Con- 
gress) are without a home, except as they may find 



75 



quarters in rented buildings. The new structure author- 
ized to be erected for the State Department will prob- 
ably supply temporary room for each of these, until 
Congress shall make appropriations for a separate 
building, suitable for their respective requirements. 

In this connection it is remarkable to learn how much 
of the Government business is now being conducted in 
rented buildings. Thousands, and hundreds of thous- 
ands of dollars are paid out annually for rented build- 
ings. The Navy Department, the War Department, 
the State Department, the department of Justice, the 
various subordinate Courts; all have rented quarters to 
conduct contingent business. Of course the main office 
is able to furnish room for the more responsible divis- 
ions. One, however, will find building after 
building with an inscription over the entrance 
door, showing where some subordinate branch of the 
public service is being conducted. The growing im- 
portance of the service is continually calling for more 
help, and therefore requiring additional room. This 
seems to exceed the liberality of Congress to appropri- 
ate the means, or of labor to erect the buildings. You 
may select any prosperous industry with which you are 
familiar, and you will note that the additional room 
called for annually, to meet the requirements of their 
growth, is annually supplied. Apply this suggestion to 
a still greater industry, and to a still larger prosperity 
attending the affairs of this great nation, aud the re- 
quirements are almost inconceivable. Bear in mind 
also, that under the domination of organized labor a 
much smaller percentage of results is anticipated in 
government service than in private industries. The op- 
portunities are also multiplied by the policy of distribu- 
ting patronage, to reduce both efficiency and economy 
in the public service. While this is recognized and un- 

76 



derstood, there has not yet been found the way, or the 
man to correct it. The Post Ofifice department has 
made much progress in this direction, though hampered 
by yellow Journals at every turn. The way has been 
pointed out, however, which it is hoped may profit suc- 
ceeding Administrations. 

THE Central Post-Office Building on Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue, between nth and 12th, N. E., was 
erected in 1901-1902, at a cost of Three Million Dollars 
and covers an area equal to an entire square, contain- 
ing six or seven floors. The interior portion, above 
the first floor, is lighted by a beautifully decorated 
Court. This has been found like many other Depart- 
ment Buildings to be wholly inadequate to handle the 
present demands of this department. A new structure, 
more commodious, is now being erected near the Union 
Station, constructed of steel with Vermont marble fin- 
ish, at an approximate cost of Three and one-half mill- 
ion dollars. This building will be equipped with mod- 
ern appliances for handling pouch mail, and to facili- 
tate transfers to and from trains; at the same time to 
relieve the Central Oflice from much of this work. The 
advent of the Parcel Post, together with the rapid 
growth of second and fourth class shipments, has made 
it necessary to provide additional room. 

The franking privilege granted to members has, unfor- 
tunately, been so wretchedly abused as to attract the at- 
tention of the Postmaster General, so that an official in- 
vestigation has been suggested by both branches of Con- 
gress, with a view of putting a stop to, or in some meas- 
ure curtailing these abuses. This sort of mail matter go- 
ing out in one and two thousand pound shipments, 
(and in some cases exceeding thisamount, from a single 



77 



member), compelled the department to put on extra help 
to accuratel}^ tabulate these shipments. Franking privi- 
leges granted to members of Congress are supposed to 
apply solely to second class matter, as, for instance, so 
much weight in book or document publications; so much 
in pamphlet or circular publications; and so much 
weight in field or garden seeds. The rural members 
are disposed to solicit, or barter, privileges from other 
members representing exclusively a city constituency. 
Some will exchange commodity privileges, while an- 
other class, with a still more elastic conscience, will 
seek to ship out first class mail on a second class frank. 
This department is therefore compelled to be on the 
alert constantly, to prevent so called "lawmakers" from 
becoming law breakers. No one political party has a 
patent on honesty in this connection. "The leopard 
cannot change his spots" when he reaches Washington. 
The avaricious at home, is thereby tempted to whet his 
ambition when opportunity is offered in a much larger 
field away from home. 

THERE are between sixty and seventy thousand 
Post-Offices in the United States, most of which 
now require deputies. Many of them require local and 
rural carriers. Add to this the Railway Mail Service 
and other postal equipment, and we may perhaps get a 
glimpse of the great work of this department, and the 
cost of its maintenance; yet we hear people, who occa- 
sionally receive a letter or post card, "kick and storm 
to beat the band," should a piece of mail happen now 
and then to go astray. There is no part of the public 
service more skillfully administered, or so free from 
ofificial abuse as the postal department. That there are 
some abuses cannot be denied, but they come largely 

78 



from the outside, and more than likely from an element 
who are vigilant in preaching honesty in public places, 
but who are as treacherous as a mountain lion when an 
opportunity is offered them to extort from the Govern- 
ment something they are not, in equity, entitled to. 
Witness the transportation of yellow publications and 
yellow literature. 

The official reports of this department would seem to 
indicate that the Post Master General has proven him- 
self to be especially fitted for handling large Govern- 
mental affairs. He has lifted the fiscal conditions of 
this department, from a deficit condition, up to a hand- 
some income-bearing industry, largely by the elimina- 
tion of personal politics, and the application of personal 
business ability. He leaves the department probably in 
a better condition from every view point than at any 
period since its establishment. This transformation of a 
deficit into a handsome surplus, has been accomplished 
not by curtailing the service, but by developing it along 
profitable lines, (this is the modest version given of 
work being done in this department. ) 

The Post-Office department receipts throughout the 
United States; according to the report recently made 
by the Auditor, has reached the enormous sum of 
^2,427,000 daily. Of this amount ^1,784,000 is for 
money orders issued at the different offices. The bal- 
ance is for stamps sold, and for special deliveries. An 
interesting exhibit in this report, is the average amount 
spent for postage annually per capita. For 30 years up 
to 1862, this amount was only twenty-five cents — for 
the next 30 years the sum had increased to ninety-seven 
cents per capita; at this time the amount has grown to 
$2.^0 per capita, paid annually for postage stamps, and 



79 



postal cards. In 1893, or twenty years ago, the money 
order business, throughout the country, was about one 
hundred and twenty million dollars annually. It has 
now, according to this report, reached the enormous 
sum of six hundred million dollars. Bear in mind that 
this large business in money orders is carried on with- 
out the investment of a single dollar for redemption, or 
a single dollar of capital stock to start the business, 
and that an average of ten million dollars of the pat- 
ron's money is in use all the time, between the date of 
purchase and the date of payment. 

THE Catholic University of America, which is 
usually referred to, as "Washington University" is 
located at Brookline, near the Soldiers Home, a dis- 
tance of about a mile and a half north from the Union 
Station. This is one of the newer Catholic Schools in 
the district, and is now attracting much attention 
throughout Catholic circles. A number of Halls are 
already completed for different branches of study, 
while others are contemplated in the near future. The 
grounds are elevated, and command a fine view for 
miles about. There is much to be done yet, however, 
to make them an attractive finished product. The Do- 
minion School for Young Ladies, a cloistered institu- 
tion, is located near by to this College. Also the P>an- 
ciscan Monastary, 'Mount St. Sepulchre" — which is 
open to visitors from 8 A.M. to 6 P. M. This build- 
ing is of Byzantine Architecture, a blending of Roman, 
Oriental and Greek production, reminding one of the 
great "Hagia Sophia" at Constantinople, when reduced 
to the simplicity of Franciscan style, (as the Fathers 
are pleased to describe it.) The stained glass windows 
were imported from Munich. Seven chapels and foural- 

80 



tars are grouped in retreats about the principal assembly 
room, surrounding one large square central altar. The 
Grotto of Nazareth, and the Catacombs, are representa- 
tions from Rome. Purgatory Chapel, where masses are 
offered for the dead, and the Grotto of the Nativity, 
are said to be representations as they may be found in 
Bethlehem to-day. This order of the Church was first 
established in the United States as early as the sixteenth 
century, when the Friars erected monasteries in the 
district which later became the States of Florida, 
Louisiana and Texas. The object of the school is to 
educate missionaries for the Holy Land, and is there- 
fore affiliated with the Catholic University of America. 
Young Missionaries become perpetual members of this 
order by a contribution of twelve dollars, which entit- 
les them to the numerous spiritual favors granted to 
benefactors, and they will thus be remembered in the 
daily prayers of the Franciscian Fathers; who are called 
the official guardians of this holy place. Visitors must 
refrain from loud conversation or from laughter, while 
passing through the Church, while Catholics are ex- 
pected to show their devotion and to adore the Blessed 
Sacrament, by saying, with St. Francis, 

"l adore Thee, O Most Holy Lord Jesus 
Christ, here, and in all Thy churches of the 
whole world, because through Thy Holy Cross 
Thou hast redeemed the world." 

HOWARD UNIVERSITY established in 1867, 
largely by the active exertions of the late General 
O. O. Howard of the Civil War, who had taken an ac- 
tive interest in the welfare of the Negro race, is located 
in the northern part of the City near the Soldiers Home. 
General Howard became the President and adminis- 



81 



tered its affairs from 1869 to 1873. This University is 
especially conducted for the education of colored stud- 
ents who desire to pursue an advanced course, and fit 
themselves for different professions. No one is exclud- 
ed, however, and many students from other races have 
from time to time been admitted. It has a campus of 
twenty acres on one of the highest elevations in the 
City, adjoining the Soldiers Home which furnishes a 
charming Park. Also the Freedman's Hospital, ad- 
joining on the south, with a wooded tract of eleven 
acres leased to the University making the site of How- 
ard University one of the most convenient and attract- 
ive schools in Washington. The University has at 
the present time, a faculty of over eighty professors and 
assistants. All branches taught in any up-to-date col- 
lege are presented here, including a Medical and Theo- 
logical course. The present enumeration will give the 
courses pursued, and the relative division of student 
ambition. 

The number pursuing courses in the arts and sciences 
is 243. 

The number preparing for Teaching is 139. 

Theological Students 97. 

The number ambitious to join the Medical profession 
is 221. 

Dentistry Students 120. 

Musical Students 75. 

The number taking a Commercial Course is 102. 

While there are 121 Students ambitious to prepare for 
the practice of Law. 

Beside 355 who are simply pursuing an Academic 
Course. 

Students are admitted from all the States, though 
Washington, D. C, is given as the home of the larger 
number. 



82 



The distribution oPthe colored population in this 
country is worth observation. According to the census 
of [QIC, our total population, white and colored, was 
91,072,266, of this number the colored enumeration 
was ^,829,294, or about io/3 per cent of the whole. 
Soutj Carolina leads in the ratio, having about 55 per 
cent Hack, or more than one-half their entire number. 
Georgia is next in ratio, with about 47/^ per cent col- 
ored. The District of Columbia comes next with near- 
ly 30 per cent. In the Northern States Indiana leads 
with 22-/2 percent. Ohio with 22 percent. Minne- 
sota, at tae head of river navigation, gets a little over 
4/^ per cent colored. Illinois has about 19 per cent; 
Wisconsin about 4)^ per cent. In the New England 
States we find about 10 per cent are colored people. 
Massachusetts leading in the ratio, with about 12 per 
cent, while New Hampshire has the smaller proportion 
with a trifle over one cent. The darkies of the South 
are the laborers, the servants, and in many cases the 
mechanics; — and this has been largely the work of 
Booker T. Washington, by educating them to be self- 
supporting. They have done this in recent years, and, 
with it, have learned the lesson to demand liberal pay 
for their services, equal in proportion with that given 
the white laborer of the North. One scarcely ever sees 
a white man in the South driving a horse, or handling 
a team of any sort. All street or public work is done 
by the colored man, save perhaps that done by a con- 
tractor. The house work, cooking or laundry work, is 
done by colored women employed at so much per hour. 
They keep by themselves, and are required to do so; 
have their own schools with colored teachers; have 
their own churches, doctors, lawyers, and social func- 
tions, the same as other people; are suspicious and 
jealous if any "white trash" intrudes. They even exact 



83 



a ten cent admission fee for whites, to their church ser- 
vices in some localities. There are young colored mm, 
and colored girls, who, having passed the educational 
test, are now occupying positions in the public service 
alongside of white men and white women; but they 
know their place and do not deviate a hair from it. 
They are good dressers — and the girls apply liberal 
doses of powder and cosmetics to make them look as 
white as possible. They would give their life, almO's'fT 
if they could only change the color of their skin, oi — 
take the kinks out of their hair. The old timq Souther- 
ner, however, will never concede that the negro race 
was ever intended, by the Creator, to be otler than a 
slave, or servant to the white race. | 

It is an interesting fact however, that the race has 
made rapid strides in intelligence and in the accumula- 
tion of property during the last half century. There 
are now, as I learned from the treasury department, 
some fifty-seven prosperous Savings Banks in the South, 
conducted exclusively by colored owners, and that they 
show a total deposit of two million five hundred thous- 
and dollars. This is certainly a showing which every 
one must commend. 

IT may be suggested that the people of the South At- 
lantic States, use a rather peculiar dialect distinguished 
from all other sections of the country. We attribute 
this very largely, to their having negro servants, and 
black ' mammies" to care for their young children, 
who by association at this age learn so much of the dia- 
lect common to this class. As they grow to manhood 
and womanhood this naturally is retained in part. To 
one not accustomed to this dialect it is more or less 



strange, and difficult to understand, reminding one of 
the distinction between the Canadian and the pure 
French language. However, after becoming more fa- 
miliar with it, and getting accustomed to the abrevia- 
tions, it is rather fascinating, and at times "right inter- 
esting." 

While the flag of truce may float continuously along 
the border line of social equality between Northern and 
Southern ladies about Washington, the women of the 
South cannot seem to recover from the disappointment 
over the downfall of the Confederacy. The former as- 
sociations are as dear to them now as though they had 
been successful, even though a generation has passed 
from the scene of their former activities. The gather- 
ings, in behalf of those historic days, are as full of 
greetings and hopeful ambitions as though they were 
the living issues of the present. Their songs are still 
the sweetest, their colors still the brightest, and their 
cause still just. 

PASSING from these outside observations, we natur- 
ally are attracted to the two houses of Congress, 
where the people's (?) selected representatives are sup- 
posed to be found at their posts of duty. Alas, the 
disappointment! much that we had anticipated does not 
materialize. Instead of a full house of active interested 
representatives participating in the proceedings, we find 
but a small handful of active workers. More than one- 
half the seats in either house are unoccupied. Some 
members we learn are engaged in committee work; oth- 
ers may be found at their offices attending to their in- 
dividual political work; repairing old fences or recon- 
structing new ones, — franking garden and field seeds 



85 



may be, or distributing undelivered speeches to the 
faithful at home, who do the shouting. Others are loit- 
ering about the lobby or cloak room, interested only in 
the echo of the door-keeper's gong, which is sounded in 
the corridor when a roll call has been ordered by their 
associates; — they then saunter in and take their seats, 
perhaps, until the clerk reaches their names, then quiet- 
ly retire and resume their good pleasure outside. In 
each roll call the clerk goes over the list of names a 
second time, calling those not responding to the first 
call. After this, and before announcing the result, the 
unexcused members who had not answered to the first 
or second call, gather about the clerk's desk and re- 
main standing, until the clerk has called their names a 
third time. Other members are here given an opportun- 
ity to change their vote if they desire to do so for any 
purpose. 

In a body of more than four hundred members one 
can readily see, by this, the amount of time consumed 
in a single roll call. 

This leads to a suggestion, frequently heard by visi- 
tors, that this branch of our Congress is altogether too 
cumbersome for efficient service, and for expeditious 
results. Many earnest and conscientious observers be- 
lieve that the membership should be reduced by at least 
one-third; and the standard of ability, industry and 
efficiency advanced in many localities by another third. 
It may be worth while to say, that in both the Senate 
and the House, the minority party for some reason 
seem to take it for granted that they, (not being the re- 
sponsible factor in legislation,) have little to do or say 
in current proceedings, and so absent themselves from 
their seats a greater part of the time, leaving the re- 
sponsibility for the security of their party action, to 

86 



their selected leader, who must be "on the job" constantly; 
who also, as the representative of his party, and direc- 
tor of its political activities, seems to inherit rights and 
recognition from the speaker, not accorded to any oth- 
er member of that body. Such proceeding, of necess- 
ity tends to transform the working machinery of the 
House from a democracy to a one man power, so far 
as the minority is concerned. It is refreshing, however, 
to observe that the Senate is less distinctive in this par- 
ticular. 

The faithful daily attendants are frequently designa- 
ted by newspaper and magazine writers, as "political 
bosses;" a most unkind and ungrateful accusation, un- 
less the doing of ones full duty fearlessly and industri- 
ously, unwittingly compels such member to approach 
this distinction. 

So much political material is sent out by "hired men" 
representing factional interests under the title of News- 
paper or Magazine correspondence, that when the facts 
are fully understood, absolute reliability vanishes, because 
personality is so absorbed many times, by selfish or 
political interests, and because such communications 
must reflect the will of the editor or publisher, to enable 
the writer to hold his job. 

There is always a small group of new statesmen, 
known as the "ever ready," or ambitious, legislator. 
They oftimes contribute to the monotony of the situa- 
tion, by their generous participation in all daily pro- 
ceedings. They are readily recognized by the quiet 
exit of others when they rise to speak. We must bear 
in mind, however, that such membership is merely 
— Representative. The stream, we are told, cannot be 
clearer than the fountain; the quality of a garment can- 
not be better than the material from which it is made. 



87 



So many new situations are also developing by the 
evolution of events, that one must "keep step" to even 
find his way alongside the procession. Since the intro- 
duction of conservation as a political asset many of the 
old political fences are entirely "out of whack," and it 
is difficult for some political workers to drive a stake 
now, that will stand erect and successfully resist the in- 
surgent battering from both sides of their political en- 
closure. 

The large amount of undignified "Caterwauling" that 
has been heard during the past year, must be exceed- 
ingly amusing to our neighbors across the ocean, while 
many good sized Statesmen on this side, do not seem to 
know just "where they are at." In the old days "befo 
de wah" the white cat and the black cat were the dis- 
cordant elements. Recently a multitude of disappoint- 
ed discordants have made their appearance; more sel- 
fish than patriotic, and more dangerous than any yet 
heard on the political fence; so that a new alignment 
of talent, and a more stringent dissection of issues has 
been forced upon the people, and upon the body poli- 
tic. Therefore, on March 4th, as the result of this po- 
litical Caterwauling, a Democratic President was in- 
stalled. Not one elected by a majority vote of the 
people, 'no indeed;" but simply a coveted prize, picked up 
in Baltimore, that haci been maliciously assaulted and lost 
in Chicago. Meanwhile the silver tingle of the bugle 
call is heard in the distance, then the quiet smile of 
complacent confidence illumes the western horizon; be- 
cause just at the present time,'' things are coming 
our way," and the original, and only peerless reform- 
er is at last rightfully and justly "coming to his own." 
Thanks to the advent of these new and indescribably 
noisy arrivals, the dear people will therefore please re- 
main quiet, pay the fiddler, or leave the hall. 



Politics, however, as now played on the modern dia- 
mond, is a great game. In its inception, it partook of 
honorable differences of opinion as to public policies, 
or public necessities: — when public debate, and the 
presentation of facts, cut a large figure in determining 
an issue; when fraud, deception or intrigue was frowned 
upon, or not thought of. When a money consideration 
was not weighed in the balance, or a prime factor in 
determining results; — when favoritism was a blind de- 
lusion. Alas, the change that has come over these for- 
mer conditions! Now-a-days almost every City has its 
"Boss Tweed" or its "Hinkey Dink" (though of miniature 
proportions, yet imbued with the same characteristics); 
who lead their ignorant and willing slaves to an altar 
consecrated to personal gain, or personal preferment, 
and vote them with absolute impunity, and absolute 
disinterestedness as to its effect upon the public welfare. 

More recentl}"- a newer element, still more personal, 
has been introduced: — imported direct from the jungles 
of Africa. Conceived in jealousy, born in malice, 
sprinkled with the blood of wild beasts, and inspired 
and nourished by disappointment and hate, though 
condoned by some of its more respectable adherents, 
di% a. purgative necessity. Yes indeed! politics is a great 
game. Only recently one of our most distinguished 
Statesmen uttered on the floor of the Senate this senti- 
ment; — "that he feared it would not be long, when a 
seat in that Chamber would not be considered as an 
honorable distinction." "May Heaven spare the day!" 
Will not the spirit of a Washington, a Jefferson, a 
Sumner, or a Lincoln look down with pity, and dispel 
such a misfortune? But if such a misfortune should 
overtake us, it will be but the fruits of lax provisions 
surrounding our elective franchise, and our immigra- 
tion laws. "By their fruits ye shall know them." It 

89 



would seem that even now, the limit had been reached, 
when demagogues, ward heelers and political mendi- 
cants should be eliminated, by legislative enactment if 
necessary, from positions of trust and honor. The 
thing to do however, is to find the way. With present 
conditions, and present opportunities the way is not 
open. It would help some if we would but close the 
gates of Castle Garden for a time, or let them swing 
outward, instead of inward for a period long enough to 
remove the undesirable immigration, and give the desir- 
able arrivals opportunity to be classified, and thereby 
made welcome. "Seek ye the truth, and the truth 
shall make you free." 

When one stops to analyze the pernicious effect of 
this lax condition in immigration, it is simply apalling. 
Our Asylums, Jails, and Reformatories are filled to the 
very doors with undesirables, who are being supported 
at the expense of tax payers. Not that all foreign ar- 
rivals belong to this type by any means, for we have a 
great many grand people, high minded and industrious, 
arriving from the other side annually. But the gates 
to our shores are not sufficiently guarded to insure 
proper protection. Then to think of giving to every 
man, promiscuously, the elective franchise, soon as they 
have fairly landed upon our shores. It would seem 
that they ought to spurn the offer until they were some- 
what familiar with our form of government. They 
simply pull the chestnuts from the fire, for political 
demagogues. This perhaps might occasionally be tol- 
erated; but to elect such arrivals to office, and entrust 
them with the administration of our American form of 
Government when they do not even understand the 
fundamentals of good government; it is not a square 
deal from any point of view. The native born ought 
not to subordinate their inalienable right to govern 



90 



themselves in their own way. No country on earth but 
America would tolerate such a proceeding. Think of 
an American citizen going to Germany or England or 
France to reside, and thrusting this ambition at once, 
upon these countries for political recognition. He 
would very soon learn that his services were not needed 
until his patriotism had been thoroughly tested, and his 
ability better understood. 

At last the Congress has become partially 
aroused to conditions herein referred to, and 
is diligently seeking a remedy for some of the 
ills mentioned. 

Ambassador Bryce, recently, addressing the students 
at the University of Virginia emphasizes the fallacy of 
selecting men for representatives in public affairs, sim- 
ply because they are reputed as being "high minded 
honorable citizens." Qualifications along other lines 
he thinks are requisite. A good fellow or a good vote 
getter usually furnishes the poorest sort of material for 
a profound student of governmental policy, or govern- 
mental justice. Men who bear the stamp of genuine 
Statesmanship do not aspire to be thus classified; their 
line of thought leads to a higher type of ambition. 
Speaking of popular elections, Mr. Bryce suggests, that 
'the failure of dxily qualified electors to exercise their 
right to vote, is one of the greatest evils with which 
this country must contend." If this evil could be 
cured, he says, "most of the other defects would dis- 
appear." Minorities so often make a bad choice, sim- 
ply because the majority neglect to cast their vote. If 
the majority will not come out at regularly established 
elections, will they be any more interested by multiply- 
ing elections? 



91 



The primary experiment shows conclusively that ma- 
jorities are not at all times interested, or else are thor- 
ouj^hly disgusted with this multiplication of elections. 
The irresponsible who never fail to uote, or be voted, 
can control an entire community as the}^ frequently do, 
largely because they have been encouraged by the neg- 
lect of the interested voter to exercise his privilege. 
Apply this test to the recall, and see where you land. If 
the voter does not cojne out in the one case, have we any 
valid assurance that he will in this. The damage to our 
present form of government, cannot be measured by the 
rash adoption of measures of this sort, which are there- 
by liable to be controlled by a minority. 

The census report of 19 lo shows that there are over 
three million men eligible to vote, who are pronounced 
illiterates ^This would be a fine sprinkling to participate 
in and pass upon the judgment of a Supreme Court as 
a referendum or a recall. Can you bear the thought 
that a classified illiterate should be permitted to contri- 
bute his elective power, to over ride the mature judg- 
ment of the highest tribunal in our form of govern- 
ment? 

As the fathers so wisel}^ and so thoroughly deliber- 
ated upon the form of government best fitted to cure 
the ills of a monarchial S3^stem, so ought we of this 
generation, with patience deliberate upon the nostrums 
suggested by immature political philosophers. 

Thomas Jefferson lays down the proposition as his 
best judgment upon this point in the following lan- 
guage ;"-A representative government, responsible at 
short periods of election, is that which produces the 
greatest sum of happiness to mankind." Representa- 



92 



tion which brings with it ability and judgment, — with 
the courage of conviction and an unselfish devotion to 
duty. Jefferson had been consulting with the intelli- 
gence of the people; not with the ignorant, which in 
recent years has unfortunately deluged this once fair 
land — and who now seek to dominate by numbers, 
rather than be content with an appreciation of the priv- 
ileges given them, or the rights of others who have 
made possible these privileges. Political demagogues, 
understanding this, lay hold of this opportunity for 
preferment and possible greed. The remedy would 
seem to be, to strike at the root of this distorted condi- 
tion, rather than to prune or spray with political con- 
coctions, which only evaporate at first exposure. 

It has now come to pass, that the average business 
man declines to be burdened with the cares and re- 
sponsibilities of municipal affairs. In a sense one can- 
not blame him, in another and larger sense he cannot 
escape the criticism of a neglect of duty. 

A distinguished student of municipal affairs, and a 
public speaker of prominence at the City of Washing- 
ton, in discoursing upon this subject, makes the follow- 
ing pertinent statement. It is well worth the space we 
give to it in this connection. 

Civic duty is with us. The burdens of the 
citv are tremendous. Here are the breakers 
of human beings surging round with their 
polyglot speech, foreign tongues with their 
strange ideas of privilege and liberty. Here 
is the burden of poverty, the burden of ignor- 
ance, the burden of sin unspeakable. We hear 
the voices of these monstrous burdens. The 
call to service falls upon us from the tops of 
the topless heaven. Thrust yourselves into 



9Z 



these problems. Politics you say? Politics 
never hurt character, it is the lack of charac- 
ter that hurts politics. The menace to the 
city is not the muck-raker, but the muck- 
maker. Oh, the vice! We feel the sense of 
something fearful about us, as though the very 
earth was chattering her teeth. May the pub- 
lic conscience of this land be aroused until her 
choicest offerings will be cast at the altar of 
civic devotion." 

Look over the assembly of municipal ofificials in any 
community you may select! Are you ready to concede 
that they are of the type you would select to conduct 
your personal or private business? Would you counsel 
with very many of them where you have an investment 
pending, which demands sound and mature judgment? 
These men, however, who are not infrequently a minor- 
ity force, have been entrusted with the disbursement of 
thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars of the 
public money, of which you are a part owner, and about 
which you have little or nothing to say, because you 
are seldom consulted, you simply contribute in taxes 
the amount demanded, the same as you would to a va- 
grant missionary, without even stopping to learn wheth- 
er the contribution ever crosses the ocean, or gets be- 
yond the next buffet down the street. In the nature of 
things — there comes in course of time a shortage, or a 
bungling of public funds, that smacks of incompetence 
or shameful crookedness. An investigation follows, 
which is not infrequently subject to a purchasable 
whitewash. These farcical investigations are as com- 
mon, and as stale, as beer kegs about a country saloon 
door, until there is no longer a vitalized moral force 
about municipal administrations, that commands our 
confidence and respect. The scheme seems to be to see 



94 



just how far one may go, or how deep one may delve, 
and not be sent over the road. Even a moral convic- 
tion carries with it no stigma that burns the conscience 
or that will deter a repetition. They "fool the people" 
and that's the main thing, while their followers go strut- 
ting about, absorbing to themselves the dictum, "we 
are the people." They are unable to see that they are 
like the monkey in the fable, simply pulling the plums 
for political demagogues, whose grade of popularity, 
and personal reputation would break up a prayer meet- 
ing. 

BUT let us turn the leaf, remove our hats, and briefly 
observe the classification and location of some of 
the remarkable men among our public servants, here in 
Washington, who may be pronounced as among the 
"good and true." All men holding an office at the seat 
of Government are not bad, "by a long shot." It is 
interesting to observe, also, that the big brainy men do 
not all come from one section. The East no longer 
has a monopoly on talent, or enterprise; though she 
may have it on stocks and bonds. The South and the 
West contribute liberally to both the former. The 
States bordering along the foot of the Rockies have 
representatives that command recognition by their 
ability, their perseverance, and their industry. Some 
of our most interesting and able debaters come from 
States west of the Mississippi, which, less than a cen- 
tury ago, were a part of the Great Northwest Terri- 
tory;" unsettled, unknown, except to the wild buffalo and 
the uncivilized Indian, who unmolested and unrestrained 
then occupied this region. These statesmen are not as 
a rule, the product of this New West by birth, but 
they are the product of this New West by development. 
They partake of the spirit, and the push, and the broad 



95 



intellectual genius that thrives, even without irrigation. 
While the East, and the South, and the Middle States 
may furnish the men of ripe maturity in public affairs- 
The West supplies the vigor; the impatient "forward 
march" spirit, which often astounds the men of the 
East. It is interesting to note this, because a new 
alignment of interests has been developed during the 
last decade. It is no longer the North and the South 
as exclusive factors in legislation. Still another inter- 
est has made its appearance in this New West. So when 
the forces are lined up for battle, this young aspirant 
from the New West, has to be reckoned with. When we 
refer to the New West, we mean the territory lying west 
of the Mississippi, or the far west, whose shores are 
watered by the great Pacific Ocean. Each of these di- 
visions are as distinctive as the rays of the Morning 
Sun streaming above the mountain top, though in real- 
ity all are blended into one grand illumination that 
warms and nourishes every industry under the flag, 
wheresoever it may be located. The East proud of her 
intellectual polish; resourceful in traditions; self-import- 
ant, assertive, and willing to dominate. The South, — 
more complacent, less aggressive, slow to anger, sensi- 
tive, courteous; but jealous of her interests. The New 
West broad of mind, boundless in good cheer, impetu- 
ous for action, spurring and urging forward to the fin- 
ish the work laid out for their consideration; more in- 
terested in results, than in extended ceremonials. 



This new aspirant for public recognition does not 
seem to care at all times so much about the boundary 
lines of the Constitution, which has been our guide and 
shield, for more than a century, as it does about the 
elasticity of the new thought that has been so recently 
exploited. — The grand old "Magna Charter," that has 



96 



won the respect and admiration of the civilized world, 
is to some of the more strenuous advocates of this New 
Thought, but a tinkling symbol of the value of a last 
season's almanac. Rel3dng for strength in the elector- 
ate, as they necessarily do, almost entirely upon the 
untutored foreign-born voters, who are so numerous in 
this great north-west, and also upon that other element, 
the restless populistic reformer, who is always looking 
for something easy —they appeal to this strata of human 
intelligence by inspiring them with the flattering infor- 
mation that they really are ' the people." Considerable 
success has resulted in later years to the more unscrup- 
ulous; although the rank and file have not yet gathered 
much except a few appointments from these successful 
aspirants; so that ambitious politicians in other sections, 
observing this success, have cast their hats into the 
ring," especially where the foreign vote was large, and 
the yellow support more accessable. The outcome of 
all this is still problematical, but the fever will surely 
have its run, like every other epidemic; ending in the 
usual old way, (unless all history fails), in a consider- 
able acquisition to the now depleted ranks of the old 
democratic party, and a clarifying and thinning out of 
restless discontents, that have made the Republican 
party a heap of trouble. 

IT is a matter of frequent comment, by both men of 
affairs, and financial observers, that the United States 
Government is operating its great business activities 
without a so-called permanent responsible head. The 
Congress is authorized by the Constitution to be the 
only governing power, und therefore exercises jurisdic- 
tion over all the nation's interests. In a sense this 
seems to be right and proper, in another sense Con- 



97 



gress is not a wise director of many of the government's 
real necessities. Congress is an unstable factor, be- 
cause every session brings with it a change both in its 
personnel, and its political undertakings. This necessi- 
tates frequent changes with more or less confusion. A 
wise manager of any great stable industry is controlled 
by a reasonable degree of practical economy. A body 
like Congress, composed largely of professional men, 
(politicians if you please), many of them more pro- 
found than practical, cannot successfully obtain the 
same results that a practical and experienced manager 
would. Bills for the appropriation of vast sums of 
money are introduced promisucously by members, for 
the construction of an endless variety of undertakings, 
(many of them to promote some scheme that may pop- 
ularize its author locally), until the whole affair smacks 
of extortion. Of course all these are referred to the 
various committees, where the opportunity may be 
found to pile up trading stock, or supply a lever to aid 
in securing a favorable report on as many undertakings 
as possible. The actual necessities of the government 
are thus often lost sight of in the final scramble for in- 
dividual preferment. 

President Taft submitted to Congress a plan, known 
as the "budget method" of determining how much shall 
be appropriated for a given purpose each year, and 
limiting the sum to this amount. This plan promised 
to save a great deal in the current expenses of the Gov- 
ernment, but it promised also to clip the wings of many 
ambitious members; which of course would never do. 

H-H-' 

THIS Government is paying annually some $600,000 
for rentals, (according to the published figures), to 
find suitable places wherein to conduct the subordinate 



98 



business of the different departments. A prudent man- 
i^er would check this outlay, by erecting suitable build- 
ii^s, rather than voting large approportions for Memor- 
lA., Halls, or Memorial Monuments. 

Tiis Government is also said to own the ground 
upon vhich stands the Central Market, and receives a 
rental ~>i $7500.00 annually, then turns about and rents 
a hall ii this market building for an Armory, paying 
therefor a rental of $8,000 per annum. Of course this 
is but a snail affair, but it furnishes an illustration of 
what may be called poor business management, the like 
of which, nay be found running all through the Gov- 
ernment's bisiness ventures. Uncle Sam has no one 
at Court, except a partisan Congress; and so in which- 
ever way he faces, is pretty sure to get the worst end of 
the bargain. 

HHHH 

WHEN an impression has been formed, that this 
Government is supporting a large retinue of semi- 
officials, distinguished for having, at sometime, simply 
done their full duty, it is not so very remarkable that 
we find in Washington among the 20,000 or more semi- 
prison-bound einplo}'ees, a large number who have 
come to believe that the Government at Washington is 
being conducted mainly to furnish profitable employ- 
ment for those who would like to make this city their 
home; and that the authorities, to maintain their per- 
sonal popularity, should be ever mindful of their good 
pleasure, or their misfortune as the case might be; that 
all departments should be regulated with an eye single 
to their comfort and their convenience; the hours of 
labor, the compensation, the time and tenure of vaca- 
tions, the rising and setting of the sun; the high cost of 



99 



living, and the various social functions; should all be,, 
pensionized, and thus made convenient for their severJ 
al ambitions; (much the same as they surmise it to br, 
with the so-called "Gold braid" contingent, who are 
living so complacently and luxuriously on the reti/ed 
list.) 

It is quite remarkable however to see so manyyoung 
people who are seeking positions in the government 
service, thinking probably that they are entering a field 
that promises a life of ease and pleasure, free from 
care or responsibility; when the avenues for an inde- 
pendent vocation are so plentiful, and the opportunities 
for an independent personality within the uach of any 
young man having a normal amount of pejSonal ambi- 
tion. / 

When convicted criminals enter the service of the 
Government at Leavenworth or Atlanta, they are shorn 
of their personal liberty, and former individuality. 
When one enters the service of the Government, at 
Washington, they simply retain tlieir individuality, 
minus its representation and its responsibilities. Is the 
difference worth the distinction? However, "so long as 
ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." This sugges- 
tion would seem to apply in so many cases that are to 
be seen about the several departments of the public 
service, that one cannot help observing this misfortune. 
To the young man, or the young woman, who accepts 
this sort of life, it is a manifest raisfortune. Better 
start the young life with the most humble beginnings 
and thus be an independent personality, and travel the 
economical way that leads to ultimate success, and con- 
sequent happiness. j 



lOO 



THE Municipal Authority of the City of Washington 
is vested in a Board of Commissioners selected by 
the President of the United States, confirmed by the 
Senate. 

They, however, are subject to the will of Congress in 
most of their official duties. The Congress by enact- 
ment grants authority for the location and construction 
of Public School Buildings, and makes appropriations 
therefor: — grants franchises, and directs the locations 
of street railways, and fixes the rate of fares thereon; 
and exercises exclusive control of all her public utilities. 
The Board of Commissioners are but the active agents 
of Congress. Residents of the City are therefore without 
the elective franchise, and are dependent entirely upon 
the power of petition, and the will of Congress for their 
public improvements. 

Efforts have been made from time to time to get 
Congress to grant a district delegate representative in 
the House, the same as is now given to our territories; 
a delegate selected by a vote of the people of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia. The enormous negro vote in Wash- 
ington divides the sentiment, for and against this ac- 
tion, to such an extent that it has, up to this time, pre- 
vented such representation. The average white voter 
preferring disfranchisement to a possible negro domi- 
nation. 

Ex-President Taft, however, in an address at the 
Willard Hotel, Washington, which was to be in the na- 
ture of a farewell to his many friends, after a nine 
year's residence; announces his great faith in the "City 
beautiful." He said "there was no city in the country 
where there is less graft, less food for scandal, and less 
manipulation for private exploitation at the expense of 



lOI 



the public, than in the municipal affairs of the City of 
Washington. "l do not know of any better policed 
City," said he, or where there is less vice, or where 
the Sunday laws are better observed. Of course," he 
said, "there is not a city in the world where, if a per- 
son has a nose for something bad, that he cannot find 
it; but the people of Washington are as pure and as 
moral as in any city on earth; besides it is a poor field 
for muck-rakers." 

THE Construction of the Lincoln Memorial in Po- 
tomac Park, and the erection of a Memorial Bridge 
across the Potomac, connecting the Mall with Arling- 
ton and Fort Meyer, will inaugurate a newer interest in 
west side properties, Already, a Memorial Highway, 
to be constructed by the government, from Arlington 
to Mount Vernon, has been officially started. You see 
it is only necessary to attach the word "Memorial" to 
most undertakings, to find favor with Congress; the 
battle for success is then more than half over. These 
large Memorial appropriations, in connection with the 
vast sums appropriated for new public buildings, is the 
one thing which makes Washington the most attractive 
city on the continent. No city in the world is so high- 
ly favored by the use of public monies as is the City of 
Washington, and no city in time will be able to match 
it in hallowed memories, or in palatial public buildings. 

THE homes on Capitol Hill are among the first 
erected in the second development of Washington, 
not as modern in architecture perhaps, but quite as 
commodious and convenient as any in the City. They 



I02 



are the homes of the earlier settlers, and are occupied 
by families less given to social functions perhaps, than 
those nearer the White House; but who represent that 
unostentatious class who enjoy the quiet of domestic 
happiness, and the culture of intellectual surroundings. 
The larger growth of Washington, just now, seems to 
be to the Northwest, where hundreds of magnificent 
apartment houses, and many beautiful family hotels, 
are being erected each year to supply the growing de- 
mand for more modern methods of living, and for those 
who prefer a life of independent domesticity, rather 
than "keep house." 

In the Northwest are also located many beautiful 
structures not belonging to the General Government, 
such as the Corcoran Art Gallery; The New Ma- 
sonic Temple; The Carnegie Public Library; and the 
new Municipal Building on Pennsylvania Avenue. 

THE Daughters of the American Revolution, 
which was organized here in 1800, with Mrs. Ben- 
jamin Harrison as the first President General, have 
also erected, at a cost of some i^35o,ooo, a beautiful 
white marble building facing the Executive Park, known 
as Continental Hall, and containing one of the most 
commodious and conveniently arranged Auditoriums in 
the City. It is \ised principally for Women's Organi- 
tions. 

WASHINGTON as a winter home, it will be seen, 
has many interesting attractions; while Washing- 
ton, as a summer home, has many disadvantages dur- 
ing the long hot season. The President, before this 



103 



time, transfers the executive ofifices to his summer 
home. This is the signal for all social functions to 
suspend, or be transferred to the seashore. 

IT will now be apparent, that whatever attractions the 
city presents are not so much of a local, as of Nation- 
al interest. But for the great Governmental structures 
which adorn the Capitol City, Washington would not 
have very much to attract the attention of the general 
public. But Washington is still an unfinished attrac- 
tion. Every year magnificent public buildings are be- 
ing erected, costing millions of dollars, so that the visi- 
tor, of ten and twenty years ago, must necessarily be a 
stranger to it now; and so the visitor of to-day, will 
doubtless be a stranger to it, ten and twenty years 
hence. Probably no city in the world is making more 
rapid strides toward the goal of perfection in artistic 
development, than is Washington. Most of what there 
is to be seen to-day, has been wrought out within the 
past fifty years. If this be measurably correct, what 
will it be at the end of the next fifty years, measured 
by the progress made during the last half century? 

WASHINGTON, like all large cities is more or less 
cosmopolitan. People from all parts of the world 
are to be found here; the good and the true, the unde- 
sirable, the learned and the unlearned, the rich and the 
poor, the substantial and the snobbish; so that one need 
not anticipate a life in Paradise by taking up an abode 
in Washington; although the advantages for culture and 
learning are most excellent, and within the reach of all. 
Her Schools and Universities, her Public Libraries, her 
Art Galleries, and the various social functions, together 



104 



ERRATA" 

On pp. 23 — -Date of Discovery of the Upper Mississippi River 
by Father Marquette should read 1673. On pp. 65, in second line 
from bottom of page, and on pp. 73, second line at top of page the 
word "employers" should read "employes." 



with the extended sessions of Congress, present oppor- 
tunities not to be found or measured by any City on 
the continent. 

Truly, Washington is even now, a "City beautiful," 
in artistic development — and when the plans, already 
perfected, are fully worked out and developed, it will 
be a city of perfected beauty, and artistic wonder, which 
will be the PRIDE AND GLORY OF ALL TRUE 
AMERICANS. 



105 



OCT ii 1913 



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